X

Have feedback / suggestions? Let us know!

Soccer

EURO 2016 Qualifying: England Unimpressive in Estonia Victory

By

England Estonia EURO 2016 Qualifying

Getty Images

England defeated Estonia 1-0 through Wayne Rooney‘s free-kick in their EURO 2016 Qualifying encounter. This goal arrived after the home side was dropped to 10 men, which should have made it much easier to score from open play. But the keeper stood on his head to stop decent scoring chances.

Captain Rooney was less than impressive, as his free-kick goal was fortunately allowed in by the keeper who did get a touch on it. He was forced to watch the keeper stop his one-on-one opportunity late in the game which would have deservedly made it 2-0. He then hit another easy free-kick over the crossbar. This should be worrying to all involved both players and fans alike.

Rooney used to be a player that could be relied on to score from anywhere, but he has not been the same at all this season as he cannot create like he used to, run as he used or even hold onto possession like he used. At the age of 28, he still has a good five years left in his career to play at his very best, but he is definitely in a crisis.

England is known to be a strong team going forward, but defensively they have had their problems. Today they faced a defensive-minded team that were hoping for a draw so they did not face too much danger in their own third. They have kept a clean sheet in all three games thus far, but against Switzerland, they were ever so lucky to keep them scoreless as many chances were unluckily squandered.

With players like Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ruling either flank, this team should be able to score plenty from open play. However, when they are defended closely and forced to pass slowly in midfield, it is hard for them to break any team down. Their 4-3-1-2 system is brilliant, but they should be able to do a lot more with it.

Winning this group will be easy, but in EURO 2016 when they play better teams, they will be exposed defensively and in midfield as well unless they take advantage of their stars and Roy Hodgson allows them to ruthlessly attack the final third.

Trending Now on