England v Andorra

[ZackBCFC]

Shocking

Good for Nugent tho even tho it was like basically in before he touched it...

Oh and that just proves that Gerrard is better without Lampard and hope it stays that way

[Simon]

What can you say after witnessing that?

This match was supposed to be McLaren's redemption, an easy three points to please fans and media alike. Was it that? Not a chance. The first half performance has to rank up there with some of the worst Football this country has ever played at International level, there was no imagination and even though you could see Andorra's keeper was pretty bad, there weren't too many shots directed at him.
A game like this really makes you wonder what the FA was thinking when they appointed him as Manager. I hope he heard the 'There's only one David Beckham' chants because he is the man who wears his heart on his sleeve when he plays for England, something only John Terry and Steven Gerrard were doing tonight.
The Boo's at Half time were just, the frustration the fans in the Olympic Stadium showed was the feeling that every England fan had. It was terrible.
Positively, at least we got the three points but is a 3-0 win against Andorra convincing? Not in the slightest.
McLaren needs results against Estonia and Russia (?) in the next two qualifiers or he will lose (which hasn't been lost already) the English support.
A Disgrace.

[tigermatty]

I think that first half was down to fear and the players feeling the weight of all the pressure they have been under to perform, and the way we played after the opener showed that. Still nowhere near the standard that these players are capable of, but at least it proved that Gerrard's rightful and most effective position is in the middle bombing forward, he was unstoppable for that second goal.

[Dr Wart Hoover]

...seems that Lampard & Gerrard will both take responsibility when the other isn't there, but neither really bothers when they're both there.

teams go through bad patches - the Tigers did earlier this season - adding to the misery by booing your own team really doesn't help. England got a result, now they have to build on that. Estonia should be another 3 points, then hopefully enough confidence to face Russia!

[ItmustbeCity]

I know it wasn't helped by Andorra sticking all their players back behind the ball but a side with the quality of England should be used to that and be able to break them down. The first 45 minutes was terrible at best, only Andy Johnson looked like providing a goal and England pumped long ball after long ball into the box. Thankfully the second half was different, Gerrard's two goals were superb finishes and Nugent's "tap in" were enough, the problem is that Russia and Croatia have to still play Andorra and going on last night they shouldn't have to strain themselves to get maximum points.

[Woody]

I see that the press are now saying that FAT Frank was dropped rather then injured last night. If he was injured then it was strange to see him still with the squad rather than immediately reporting back to his club for medical treatment. He didn't look happy in the stands either. Personally I hope he never plays for England again, he is overrated and made to look good at Chelsea by the quality of players around him.

[Woody]

Oh and when will Rooney learn!!

[SHANDY LOVE MACHINE]

There are no easy games at international level any more.

[Pablo]

Personally I hope he never plays for England again, he is overrated and made to look good at Chelsea by the quality of players around him.

That´s a bit harsh on Frank to be fair, I know that he isn´t playing well at the moment, but when he does come into form for England remember Euro 2004 he was unstoppable.

Also I hear that a lot of old faces (people who have been banned elsewhere)were in the crowd that night, and they think that´s where a lot of the hate for McClaren was coming from, still we need results from the next two games, it´s way too early to start calling for his head. And I think the Sun´s little campaign against him is really sad.

[bobcarolgees]

Also I hear that a lot of old faces (people who have been banned elsewhere)were in the crowd that night, and they think that´s where a lot of the hate for McClaren was coming from.

I wouldnt believe that in a million years.

[tigermatty]

I wouldn't go so far as to say Lampard shouldn't play again, but his exclusion from the starting line-up was long overdue. As an off-the bench alternative to Gerrard I think he would be very useful, but both can't start and Gerrard is quite simply the better player by miles.

[Woody]

Country Miles. Yeah he can sit on the bench and come on for the last 15 if he wants. Hopefully when games are won and the hard work has been done.

[Simon]

I think it is obvious what the current England team is lacking - Joe Cole.

No doubt about it, but he is the single most influential player in the England team over the last 2 years. He brings imagination and invention into the England side which makes you believe anything is possible. Possibly if Joe Cole was in the team and not injured Englands performances would have been a whole lot better. Also don't forget that Michael Owen will be returning soon.
As for all the Frank Lampard criticisms, one simple fact. Lampard has scored more goals and has more assists than Steven Gerrard this season, on that merit, he should be starting instead of Gerrard...

[SHANDY LOVE MACHINE]

Yeah I think we're being a bit harsh here, I personally think we are going to win the Euro championships, after all we did invent the game we can't let frenchies and savages overcome their superiors can we

[Woody]

As for all the Frank Lampard criticisms, one simple fact. Lampard has scored more goals and has more assists than Steven Gerrard this season, on that merit, he should be starting instead of Gerrard...


Yeah and he had 24 shots at goal in the last World Cup, no goals.
Don't know how many shots Gerrard had but he did score 2 goals.:p

[Woody]

Yeah I think we're being a bit harsh here, I personally think we are going to win the Euro championships, after all we did invent the game we can't let frenchies and savages overcome their superiors can we

And we'll win the Cricket world cup aswell then?;)

[Adder]

Strange how all of a sudden Lamps is full of life again to play against Watford today :confused:

[tigermatty]

I think it is obvious what the current England team is lacking - Joe Cole.
As for all the Frank Lampard criticisms, one simple fact. Lampard has scored more goals and has more assists than Steven Gerrard this season, on that merit, he should be starting instead of Gerrard...

I remember when Andy Cole was scoring thirty a season for united, but as soon as he put an england shirt on he was utter crap. And that was when he wasn't getting regular starts for England - Lampard has started almost every England game since euro 2004, he was utter poo at the world cup and at the moment looks like he couldn't even finish his dinner. No matter how well he has been doing for Chelsea, Gerrard is better than Lampard in an England shirt and that became very clear on wednesday.

[Woody]

Hear Hear
In fact Gerrard would be better than Lampard in any shirt let alone an England one.