So finally after months of waiting, the 14th June arrived and England kicked off their world cup campaign against Italy.The Italians were fielding out a very similar team that knocked out England at the Euro 2012 quarter final stage. Although England were beaten on penalties, it was very apparent they were a long way from being at Italy's level. One stat that for me the most alarming was that Joe Hart and Peter Crouch combined the most passes between them out of the whole team in that particular match.
Last night ended in a bitterly disappointing lose for the England team. It was a different feeling of disappointment however this time round. After seeing England struggle to pass the ball and have many real attempts on goal 2 years ago, last night was a huge improvement in my eyes. It was clear from the outset that both teams were playing very different styles as predicted. Andrea Pirlo yet again shone and showed his world class touch as well as awareness of where everyone else in this team were. Looking at both goals from the Italians, England really could have done better. Conceding from a set piece is always tough to take, with Pirlo dumbing the ball with his normal sublime manner, give Marchisio chance to smash it in from outside the box. We started well so to go one goal down was really hard and it took a lot of character to get back at the Italians. A great link between Rooney and Sterling saw Rooney clear of the defence and putting the ball across the six yard box. Daniel Sturridge darted across and smashed the ball into the Italian net and levelled the game up. Rooney done excellent to find this room, and looking at some articles this morning a lot of journalists must have not been watching at this moment. To be fair Rooney did look out of sorts last night in the unusual role on the left hand side. I struggled to really see his role within the team and how he fitted in. I am a Rooney fan and love the way he reads the game and brings others into play. He has struggled at major tournaments but he is not alone.
After 5 minutes into the second half the Italians, with a little bit to much ease got back into the lead by the animated Mario Ballotelli. Not for the first time the left hand side of the pitch was left exposed. Leighton Baines was caught chasing and the cross went in which was met by Mario's head. It is a tough time to concede in a match and meant England really had to take the game to Italy. I think we had a lot of the ball and run at the them and tested their back 4. If there is one thing Italy know and that is how to keep a lead. A bit of inexperience crept into England's game and Sterling should have done better with 2 or 3 breaks. Taking nothing away from the young Liverpool player, who had times at Italy in his wake. It was brave from Roy to start him but certainly a successful decision. Danny Welbeck who done his bit for the team even with a bit of pressure from the critics. Ross Barkley had a cameo and done his case no harm at all. Fearless comes to mind when you see Barkley play and after a few minutes on the pitch he had already test the goalkeeper.
It wasn't to be for England and Italy won the game 2 - 1 after 90 minutes. The celebrations from the Italians spoke volumes about England's performance. Not really interested in all these stats about only 4 teams have got out of their group after losing the first match. After seeing the game before I think we will beat them both. Uruguay were all over the place defensively and crumbled when Costa Rica came at them. Lot of credit to Costa Rica who were probably not expected to get any points out of this group.
Thursdays game was always going to be the decider and now with current results, it will certainly be a intense affair. Suarez will no doubt start now after not coming on but there is no chance he will be fully fit. Looking at their defensive woes last night, I think Sterling and Sturridge could have a field day.
Still so much to play for all teams in the group and if Costa Rica do get something from Italy then that game with England as well will be huge.
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