It certainly didn't. Milner is a hard worker but that's about it, he doesn't excite me one bit. Would've like to have seen either Flanagan or Stones play instead.
Yeah was poor defending all round for their first goal but I was impressed with both Smalling & Jones in the second half, both made some really nice tackles.
What did you make of Wilshere's performance? He made some good runs but he looked completely knackerd early on in the match, i'd rather have Henderson there as his energy levels are much higher.
As for the OX well he had an absolute beauty of a game
And I take back what I said the other day about him not being effective on the wings...he was a real threat throughout the game, such power and pace. Providing he hasn't suffered an injury then he MUST start against Italy.
When the teams XI leaked last night i was slightly concerned about Milner playing full-back, even though I've seen him play there (although in a more wing-back position) for Man City a few times. I sort of thought it might have been more wise to partner one of the youngster with Jageilka, since Phil missed a few end of season games & could do with some more minutes.
Jones was picked for his versatility in the main squad, instead of other pure full backs like Flanagan, Walker or Clyne - so its a bit concerning that Hodgson would be picking Milner in the role in practice game.
Wilshere is certainly the best passer next the Gerrard in the deeper mid-field role, - but he is lacking pace & sharpness in his game currently, that made people take notice of him initially.
As you said, maybe the heat got to him - but he seems to be a magnet for tackles.
But i still believe England have to play with 3 mid-fielders, even with Gerrard starting in the 4-2-3-1, ENG do have a tendency to give away balls in the dangerous mid-fielder areas & become vulnerable to counter attacks. Can't afford that vs Italy & Uruguay.
Much more comfortable with him just copy Liverpool's 4-4-2 diamond as i keep stating. That formation allows ENG to pack the mid-field, plus be able to play both Rooney/Sturridge in their preferred striking roles, instead of using them on the wings:
Milner/Henderson battling for one sport as the workhorse mid-fielder & Wilshere/Barkley as energetic/skillfull mid-field. Gerrard the registra & Lallana the triquartisa places are certain.
Plus the The OX once fit & Sterling could play in Lallana's position & Lallana could play deeper if required also.
-------------------Hart--------------------
Johnson------Cahill-----Jagielka-------Baines
-------------------Gerrard--------------------
------Henderson/Milner---------Wilshere/Barkley---
---------------------Lallana------------------
------------Sturridge----------Rooney----------
