Was watching the English football team take on Australia at home turf over an international ‘friendly’ and as the commentators put it, hoping it would be a competitive one. This was supposedly the second string line up playing and rich on youthful exuberance with many players fielded based on a wonderful season in the domestic clubs.
However, there were some like Jack Wilshere, who god knows on what merit is even in the squad. Having been injured for the whole last year and hardly having a look in in the last couple of minutes of Arsenal’s season, it was clear he was neither match fit, nor sure of what exactly is his job in front of the back four. It was weird to see Drinkwater playing ahead of Jack and to be honest, mightily ineffective against an Australian midfield that was not heavily pressing.
Rashford was elegant, composed and had his glasses on to foresee passes and played good link up football up front with Sterling. Indeed the former with his first strike on goal, volleyed home the lead, which by the way things have been this season for him, didn’t surprise any.
Defence is where England will be beaten in this Euro. Their preliminary squad goes in with the bare minimum players. Smalling on the left and Stones on the right, is an odd central pairing. Stones even though is playing in his preferred position for club and now country, has had a poor season by the self created exploits of last season. He has been in and out of a poor Everton season. Smalling on the other hand, started very well in his domestic stint, partnering Blind and being the lead center back. But his form dipped towards the latter end of the season and he was found out badly in the FA cup final. For all the plaudits ‘Mike’ received this season, him one on one with his back to goal still needs some convincing.
Against an Australian side not powered to break with speed, they were casual and comfortable and yet the English side could not even keep good possession in the game. Sterling and company will not be getting free rides in Euro 2016. We gotta wait and watch what’s gonna unfold. Rooney’s strike was worth savoring, but England should they have been at their best would have put at least 5 past the Aussies last night. Happy for the #mufc boys.
Varun Babu M.D. 