August Friendlies Thread

[Duty281]

England v Italy (20:00)
Scotland v Australia (20:00)
Wales v Bosnia-H (19:45)
N. Ireland v Finland (19:45)
Serbia v R. Ireland (19:45)

England to win 2-1

[Crimey]

I think England will lose 0-1. Lots of changes and experiments.

[Duty281]

The England team:

England: 1 Jack Butland, 2 Kyle Walker, 3 Leighton Baines, 4 Michael Carrick, 5 Gary Cahill, 6 Phil Jagielka, 7 Adam Johnson, 8 Frank Lampard (c), 9 Andy Carroll, 10 Tom Cleverley, 11 Ashley Young.

Substitutes: 12 Joleon Lescott, 13 John Ruddy, 14 Ryan Bertrand, 15 Steven Caulker, 16 James Milner, 17 Jake Livermore, 18 Jack Rodwell, 19 Jermain Defoe.

[mystiroakey]

ok predos

england 2-0
scotland 1-0
wales 1-0
n ireland 1-0
ireland 1-0

5 wins

[Crimey]

I very nearly called that line up. I had Milner rather than Cleverly though.

[Crimey]

Italy's line up looks pretty weak actually, wouldn't be surprised to see England win. Hoping for a big performance from Andy Carroll.

[Guest]

It'll be a draw I reckon. 1-1.

[Crimey]

Is that yet another new kit for England?

[Liam]

Wales hit the bar and gone close but Bosnia controlling the game, looking very dangerous from corners and have just hit the bar from one. 0-0.

[Guest]

I'm not alone in thinking these pre season friendlies are a total waste of time am I?

[Crimey]

I'm not alone in thinking these pre season friendlies are a total waste of time am I?

No you're not, such a risk for the clubs as well.

[Guest]

That is a soft goal to concede. I agree Andy.

[Guest]

Great header.

[mystiroakey]

1-1

[mystiroakey]

Am I looking at this game through rose tinted glasses or are we actually playing ok and passing better and looking comfortable on the ball??

[Guest]

Our passing and movement does appear a lot better than usual.

[Geordie]

They're doing well. The youngsters look settled.

I'd like to see Johnson getting regular football be it at Man City or elsewhere...he has real ability that needs developed.

Id be quite happy never to see Rooney in an England shirt again.

[Duty281]

We look good with the ball, pass and move going well. I've just checked the stats - 57% of possession in that first half for England. Now let's push on and win.

[Crimey]

Who do you think will be going off?

Butland off, Ruddy on.

Leighton Baines off, Bertrand on.

Michael Carrick off, Rodwell on.

Lampard off, Milner on.

[Guest]

Id be quite happy never to see Rooney in an England shirt again.

I don't think you're the only one thinking this either.

[mystiroakey]

ermm rooney- i think he tries to hard

[Crimey]

John Ruddy on.

[Crimey]

Andy Carroll is off and Jermain Defoe is on.

[Guest]

John Ruddy on.

Olly will be foaming at the mouth!

How many subs are allowed?

[Crimey]

John Ruddy on.

Olly will be foaming at the mouth!

How many subs are allowed?

Don't think there is a limit with friendlies.

[mystiroakey]

glad hodgson has moved forward with his approach and not stuck to that rigid system. ITS VERY VERY EARLY DAYS. but i am happy enough

[Geordie]

ermm rooney- i think he tries to hard

When he can be bothered he does. Im just not a fan. I dont like his attitude, and whilst he puts some fantastic performances in for Utd i havent seen many for England and think its time to try some of the youngsters like Welbeck, Sturridge etc....but thats just my opinion i guess.

Also:

Can someone tell me what Milner does that keeps his place in this team / squad.

[mystiroakey]

Not sure how milner keeps his place- but i think he has been decent tonight.

BTW watching without commentary- was that goal supposed to be offside?.. A bit harsh if it was. Looked good to me and he didnt seem to be impeading play

[Guest]

He got some leather on that. Great hit.

[mystiroakey]

great goal by defoe..

This has been a cracking game- 10 times the 'important' one

[Geordie]

Crackin Goal.

Is that Livermore on? Was it for Lampard? Missed that one.

[Guest]

You gotta love the traveling England fans. They are either extremely loyal or have horrible home lives! Legends.

[Geordie]

Not one of my favorite people....but does any think Neville might be having a positive influence?
He's a winner, his team played great football...and he and his fellow defenders were "professional" shall we say

Must have a bit of an influence...be interesting to see come more serious games....

[mystiroakey]

good predo duty

[Guest]

Bearing in mind he considered his own international career a complete waste of time he has taken to his role with a lot of enthusiasm.

[Geordie]

Yes he did FS your right...but you never know.

Well meaningless game, but a good run out for some kids...and beat the Italians..which gives a little confidence.

Showed we dont need Barry, Rooney, Ferdinand, Terry...etc

[Duty281]

Good 2-1 win and at times England played nice football. We finished with 58% possession as well! Cracking finish by Defoe to win the game. Superb support by the England fans as well. Roll on the Qualifiers!

In other games, I see Belgium have beaten Holland 4-2 (3 goals in last 5 minutesfor Belgium!) and Argentina have beaten Germany 3-1.

[mystiroakey]

Germany are not all they are cracked up to be. they normally dominate qualifying-- I have a funny feeling things anrt gonna go so smooth this time

[monty junior]

They're second team which they played against France,Argentina and Switzerland is way below they're first team. Last time it was 4-0 Germany, friendlies are pointless. Saying that i'm pleased with beating Australia 3-1, they aren't much good but should give us a lot of rankings points being so far above us to pop back into the 30's

[Sponsored content]