The Taming of The Three Lions

The taming of The Three Lions in Zagreb. Yep, England suffered the first defeat to Croatia. Going in to the game with the record 3 wins 1 draw against Croatia seem a marvelous record. But then again history never repeat instead Croatia maintain their unbeaten record at home.

So what's when wrong for England. Shifting the formation from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2? or simply because the players not performing to their highest level? McClaren admitted his mistake by saying 3-5-2 formation didn't work out to the team. I believed such statement is merely to protect his players & take the blame for himself. Whether 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 formation, I believed players like their quality shoudn't have difficulty to adopt. If we looked back at the game again, McClaren push A. Cole & G.Neville up to act as a winger. These tasks had gone on for awhile, even when they use 4-4-2 formation. In fact they should have strength in their defence, which they have extra player in Carragher.

Slaven Bilic, the Croatian boss might point-out the flaw in 3-5-2 formation against them. By given his strikers Da Silva & Petric some extra space. But I do believe if Rooney did take his chances well before Croatia had their first goal, then the game might go to England's way. To me changed of formation never a reason for Three Lions down fall, but the performanced of the players was.

Let start of with strikers. Well, Rooney is not at his best at the moment. His frustration transfer to the bad form. The more he tried the harder for him to perform. I guess Gasgoine was right when he advised Rooney to enjoy his game & play with smile before the game. His temperament never change. It can be seen after the game when he had a go with the fans. He might be young but he is a senior in a team now. He should change his behaviour & take more responsiblities if he want to succeed in the international level.

Crouch. He when in to Macedonia game with a record of 10 goals in 11 games. Marvellous! But, he is firing blank again (2 games, 0 goal). Some might arguethat his effort count more than the goal score. The same argument been shared by Liverpool's coach, Rafa Benitez. They might be right. But for a striker, only goals count! His partnership with Rooney was toothless...Or rather he never had a support from midfield of Gerrard quality? Put aside the support, he never the Lineker, Shearer or even Michael Owen standard. Nothing personal, I'm Liverpool supporter, but he never my favourates. Just can't see him replacing Fowler or Owen in a near future. Nice lad but only in certain games.

Deploying Lampard, Carrick & Parker in midfield seem a disaster. Lampard never in his top form. Carrick though have a good vision & few good passing still raw in the international level. Parker never in the game. The game did change, once Shaun Wright-Phillips & Richardson came in. It when bit faster on the flank but bits too late to make a come back. It might be different if McClaren use either player in the first half for more attacking mindset.

To remain an injured A. Cole (he is limping...) was a huge mistake. His poor marking couple with Terry wrong judgement allow Da Silva (shortest & sandwhiced) scored Croatia's first. The second goal was the talk of the night, really! See, G.Neville never score in England's shirt...when he did scored is an OWN goal!!! Pity that the media & the fans put the blame on Robinson...If not for him, England would have conceed much more goals especially in the first half. Just because the back-pass go awry, he missed the ball because of the booble doesn't made him a bad keeper. He is still a better keeper these recent years and many years to comes. To me, he still the safe hands for England.

We can't change a result. England need to look forward. Being the next qualifier game on March next year away to another unbeatean team (13 games) at home, Israel. Never an easy game but McClaren should have enough times to strengthen his team. By then, Rooney might get back in-form with his games to Man Utd. Micahel Owen might ready to make a comeback (always thought he is badly needed). Hargreaves, Lennon, Andrew Johnson & Ashton would recover to give a cover. Gerrard would be back after his suspenension. Or maybe...maybe McClaren really need to recall BECKHAM!!!

For a team ranked 4th in FIFA world ranking to miss Euro 08 is unthinkable. I believed the Three Lions will roars once more & show the world what the quality they have. A setback maybe, but it's better now than it's too late. There's always a room for improvement & I still believed McClaren is the right man to carry England through as a great team.

Let's wait & see.