june 14th
As Arsenal fans we’re pretty well used to late, late goings-on, but last night’s England v France game was one of the most incredible finishes I’ve ever seen to a game.
England were 1-0 up, defending really well (if a little deep), causing the French problems on the break, until with a minute to go the clumsy oaf that is Emile Heskey gave away a free kick on the edge of the English box. Zidane took it and rifled it right into the spot where David James should have been. 1-1 and you’d have to have thought that was fair enough given all the French pressure. Then just after England restarted Steven Gerrard played a ridiculous ball back into his own area, James panicked, forgot he could go for the ball with hands and took out Thierry Henry. Penalty. Zidane then showed Beckham how to do it, 2-1.
Game over.
If I was an England fan I’d be very unhappy about Sven’s substitutions. Heskey for Rooney makes no sense whatever way you look at it, and if David James is the best English goalkeeper, then it highlights the dearth of talent in that area. England has always had a reputation for producing decent keepers, but it’s worth noting that only four English keepers played in the Premiership as first choice for their teams last season. Those teams finished 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th in the league.
Arsewatch England: Sol and Ashley both had very good games and defended stoutly. I don’t think anyone got past Ash, while Sol was his usual solid self in the middle. Ash looked stunned at the end.
Arsewatch France: Vieira was excellent in midfield, always working and looking for the ball. Pires started very well but faded a bit before being replaced by Wiltord, while Henry was anonymous in the first half, but played better in the second when he moved out left a bit more. He was in the right place to get clattered by James for France’s penalty.
So England have to pick it up a bit before their game against Switzerland, France will be thinking luck is on their side going into their game against Croatia. Gunners in action today – Freddie will be playing for Sweden as they take on Bulgaria.
