Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!
England v/s France Lineup News:
England: Hart; Johnson, Terry, Lescott, Cole; Gerrard, Parker; Milner, Young, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Welbeck (4-4-1-1)
France: Lloris; Debuchy, Mexes, Rami, Evra; Cabaye, Diarra; Nasri, Malouda, Ribery; Benzema (4-3-2-1)
My views on it:
- England's team looks like they brought a nice bus. The defense looks very tight. Gerrard, Milner, Parker will defend really deep. Gerrard will have the role of what Lampard had in the Barca-Chelsea match - that is to be the first man to initiate a counter with his pass. Chamberlain is a pleasant surprise. He's been known to have played as defensive midfielder in his young days and played like that one-twice in Arsenal. So, Hodgson played him as a guy who'll defend but also can offer in attack since that's not really the case with Milner or Parker. He'd defintely provide more spark than Downing whom he replaced. Young will defend in parts of the match but most likely will move all around the field during offensive moves. Expect 9 England players to defend (perhaps even 10 at times). Welbeck has a big role since he'll be alone.
- Coming on France. It's their classic team. I'm surprised that Evra has been preferred over Clichy. Diarra is not in the best of his form, so Malouda will be asked to supplement him with defensive tasks as Cabaye will regulate the midfield. Nasri-Ribery will be asked to electrify their respective wings and to combine with Benzema up in front. It's a scheme that Ribery-Benzema-Nasri-Cabaye are familiar with since they play in that formation in their own clubs.
- On the whole, there are no big surprises. For those expecting fancy football from England, you may need to re-see another match. England is here to defend and clinch a positive result by fighting. I just hope that they'll fight with vigor and till the end. I like France's team also, so good luck to both team and hopefully, this clash of tactics will be interesting.
