We murdered ‘em

England 1 v Russia 1

Having just watched England’s sparkling performance v Russia in their opening encounter of Euro 2016 one is reminded of a phrase used by England cricket coach David Lloyd when describing his sides draw – the scores were tied - with Zimbabwe in 1996. “We murdered ‘em, we flippin’murdered ‘em” declared Lloyd only to find himself out of a role some months later.

So inept have England been in major football tournaments, that not much is required to fashion an improvement in performance. Yet for ninety minutes of this game they dominated play, moving the ball quickly and incisively, creating chances. The only thing missing was a bit of luck for every time the ball was struck well at goal it went straight at the Russian keeper. Then, in minute73, yet another of an ever increasing number of edge of the box free kicks was awarded. One might think that Wayne Rooney or Harry Kane would have first shout at striking at goal. One might think that and one would not be entirely wrong for Kane did in fact run at the ball. However he then stepped over it allowing the unsung Eric Dier to step up and with a beautiful strike bury the ball in the back of the net. At last, just reward for English dominance.

And then, bizarrely, Manager Hodgson decided to remove Wayne Rooney from the fray. What is it about England managers who think that by resting your best player you are increasing the chances of winning the tournament. Win the game you are playing at that moment rather than getting ahead of yourself a mantra which no doubt Alf Ramsey wished he had followed in 1970 before removing Bobby Charlton in the game v Germany. Whilst this substitution was not on a similar level of ineptitude it was not good. Rooney was playing well, running midfield and offering the possibility of a second goal. The moment he went off, he wasn’t.

Bar Raheem Sterling, who never gives the impression that he knows what he should do with the ball when running at defenders, this was a superb all round England performance. The result was a travesty but it might also be a wake up call. At least it will quash any element of complacency.

©Mark Brennand