England, put in another excellent performance to beat Lithuania 4-0 at Wembley in their qualifier.
It is probably fair to say, that two years ago, the Three Lions might have made harder work of this game, and ended up winning from a set piece or goal mouth scramble, however, under Roy Hodgson so far this campaign, England’s performances have been progressive, and the team is slowly starting to click and play attractive, clinical football.
As a result we take a look at five things that were learned from the match.
Danny Welbeck fits the style of play superbly
The Arsenal attacker dispatched again to become the top-scorer in the qualifiers with six goals. However, it is his link-up play which was again, most effective. His movement and intelligence off the ball creates space for the likes of Wayne Rooney and the midifelders, and he can become a top player in time. It is hard to believe he is still only 24, and he will prove that Manchester United were wrong to sell him.
England are starting to gel
It is getting to a point now, like any great side, where each player knows where the other will be on the pitch and an element of telepathy is starting to become evident. Although they’re a considerable way off the Spain team which won Euro 2008 and 2010 and the World Cup in 2010, England are starting to show progress.
Harry Kane has a big future
It took less than a minute for the 21-year-old Spurs striker and Premier League joint-top scorer to get on the scoresheet. He is already drawing comparisons to ex-England legend Alan Shearer, who would have been proud of his headed finish against Lithuania.
Defence needs some work
Although going forward the Three Lions were slick and comfortable, against stronger teams, they may struggle at the back. England miss a John Terry-esque figure, and while Phil Jones has potential, his positioning is off at the minute. There is hope over Everton starlet John Stones, though currently Hodgson’s men lack a world class centre back.
Wayne Rooney will break Sir Bobby Charlton’s goal record
Another goal for the captain put the Man Utd striker just two behind Charlton’s all-time scoring record of 49, and one behind Gary Lineker. He has the opportunity to add to his tally in the friendly against Italy next time out, though there are already suggestions that Kane could eventually top the pile.
It is probably fair to say, that two years ago, the Three Lions might have made harder work of this game, and ended up winning from a set piece or goal mouth scramble, however, under Roy Hodgson so far this campaign, England’s performances have been progressive, and the team is slowly starting to click and play attractive, clinical football.
As a result we take a look at five things that were learned from the match.
Danny Welbeck fits the style of play superbly
The Arsenal attacker dispatched again to become the top-scorer in the qualifiers with six goals. However, it is his link-up play which was again, most effective. His movement and intelligence off the ball creates space for the likes of Wayne Rooney and the midifelders, and he can become a top player in time. It is hard to believe he is still only 24, and he will prove that Manchester United were wrong to sell him.
England are starting to gel
It is getting to a point now, like any great side, where each player knows where the other will be on the pitch and an element of telepathy is starting to become evident. Although they’re a considerable way off the Spain team which won Euro 2008 and 2010 and the World Cup in 2010, England are starting to show progress.
Harry Kane has a big future
It took less than a minute for the 21-year-old Spurs striker and Premier League joint-top scorer to get on the scoresheet. He is already drawing comparisons to ex-England legend Alan Shearer, who would have been proud of his headed finish against Lithuania.
Defence needs some work
Although going forward the Three Lions were slick and comfortable, against stronger teams, they may struggle at the back. England miss a John Terry-esque figure, and while Phil Jones has potential, his positioning is off at the minute. There is hope over Everton starlet John Stones, though currently Hodgson’s men lack a world class centre back.
Wayne Rooney will break Sir Bobby Charlton’s goal record
Another goal for the captain put the Man Utd striker just two behind Charlton’s all-time scoring record of 49, and one behind Gary Lineker. He has the opportunity to add to his tally in the friendly against Italy next time out, though there are already suggestions that Kane could eventually top the pile.