They really were bad for most of this game. Right from the start you could tell Sweden would score. England didn't look tired, but they took their time over everything (saving up their energy? I'm not sure) and cut corners by booting the ball in that classic england way of loosing posession. But I wouldn't want to take anything away from Wallcott here. As soon as he got on the pitch, things sped up. Welbeck profited from the better direct delivery. Defoe would work well with Milner, Welbeck works well with Wallcott. I wouldn't call them flukes at all. Intense game
MichalisC.... Welbeck's goal wasn't a fluke, it was great ! Maybe Walcott was a bit lucky if the keeper's view was blocked by players or if he made a mistake with his positioning but the shot didn't actually take a deflection. (So well said lovelyeli But your 2nd sentence is right, I agree they'll need to improve in the next game
Loved this game!.... Nice to see england trying to add some variety by attacking, Walcott was fantastic coming off the bench.... He has such a strong impact that I don't know if I would start him or not.... But he is better than milner.
I am very surprised at this result. Going into the match I expected England to win (but only just). As soon as Sweden took the lead I thought it was all other. But I have been pleasantly surprised
Well done England on the win but I'm fairly sure you're not going to be so fortunate against a stronger team. Had Sweden actually defended a little better during the second half I'm sure they would have won.
Seems to me that Hart was just trying to stop the Swedish players from shoving him into his own net during their celebration. Then Ibra, well.... Goes Ibra on Hart and tries to pick a fight or something.
Hodgson did everything right in this game. He "unleashed" caroll, who quite frankly I thought wasn't going to perform. I ate my words. Then he put on walcott, who typically out of the blue will surprise at times. Great game. I hope France top the group though
Hodgson made really smart substitutions. Capello seemed like he was just in for the money after the world cup, lost interest.... People may criticize milners selection (he didn't play THAT great which is expected), but I see what hodgsons trying to do, he's going safer. Besides walcotts better as a super sub with his pace against the tired legs. While milner does both defensive and attacking duties + he made many crosses in the first half! Where was young!