11.9.13

Walker looked out of his depth in Ukraine but there were positives for England and Roy Hodgson


Steven Gerrard's passes versus Ukraine
Steven Gerrard's passes versus Ukraine

Kyle Walker had a torrid time against Ukraine winger Yevhen Konoplyanka. The 23-year-old Dnipro man is incredibly fast and Walker struggled with that. The Tottenham defender is used to relying on his pace to get him out of trouble but Konoplyanka was faster than him.
On a few occasions, particularly in the first half, Walker was caught too far forward when he should have dropped level with his defensive line.
He has to read the danger earlier, otherwise he’ll give more free-kicks away in dangerous positions like in the second half.
Ongoing struggle: Kyle Walker was a defensive weakness for England as they battled for a draw in Ukraine
Ongoing struggle: Kyle Walker was a defensive weakness for England as they battled for a draw in Ukraine
England's passing's not slick enough
England got a useful point in a tough game but it looked like they were caught in two minds — whether to play for the draw or try to win.
They looked happy to keep the score at 0-0 and it affected their passing. It was not purposeful enough, with little pace on the ball and little movement off it. England were rarely comfortable in possession and Ukraine sensed that so pressed them. It worked so they then pressed even harder.
It reminded me a bit of the game against Greece I played in 2001, when David Beckham scored to rescue us. Both sides got the result but it was far from convincing.
Poor in possession: Theo Walcott was one of several England players who looked uncertain with the ball
Poor in possession: Theo Walcott was one of several England players who looked uncertain with the ball

Memories: The match reminded Keown of England's draw against Greece in 2001
Memories: The match reminded Keown of England's draw against Greece in 2001

Cahill's in Champions League form
Some people blame the Premier League for a lack of English talent in the game but what it has given our players is experience against top-class opposition. Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka face some of the world’s best forwards each week and so they were well equipped to deal with a big match like on Tuesday night. They were like twin towers at the heart of the England backline.
Cahill, in particular, impressed me, putting on his Champions League head to deliver an excellent performance for his country.
The Chelsea defender, who has been very consistent for his club, made a series of vital blocks and tackles and followed his man closely. He was a threat from attacking set pieces, too.
Playing in a white hot atmosphere brings the best out of some players — it was certainly the case for Cahill and Jagielka.
Twin towers? Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka impressed under significant pressure
Twin towers? Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka impressed under significant pressure
Gary Cahill
Phil Jagielka


Real spot of bother for our casual Joe
Joe Hart was very lucky in the opening minutes when he brought down Roman Zozulya. He definitely caught the Ukraine forward and what saved him was Zozulya’s reaction.
If he had not fallen so dramatically and so early, Hart’s feet would have wiped him out more convincingly as he followed through.
Hart was a bit too casual shortly after that too with a bouncing ball in the box. It was not the start he wanted.
Uncertain: Joe Hart again was below his best, and was fortunate to not concede a penalty
Uncertain: Joe Hart again was below his best, and was fortunate to not concede a penalty

Rickie's all right
Rickie Lambert does not have the pace of Gary Lineker or the sharpness of Alan Shearer but he has a nuisance value and gave a good show of himself.
There aren’t many players out there who are better at using their body — he gets it in the way to stop defenders heading the ball.
On top of that, Lambert is still enough of a footballer to be a very good link man, even though England spent too much of the second half thumping up long balls to him. The ball generally sticks to him when it is played forward and he coped admirably in a difficult game, better than some of England’s more experienced players.
Capable: Rickie Lambert did his job, even if he isn't in the same class as England greats Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker
Capable: Rickie Lambert did his job, even if he isn't in the same class as England greats Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker

Gary Lineker
Alan Shearer


But Lambert’s game relies on others joining the attack and supporting him and they didn’t enough.
Another who impressed me was Ashley Cole. He stayed really tight to his opponent and was resolute in his defending. He is on top of his game and patient on the ball.
Steven's a midfield gem



Of the midfield three, it was captain Steven Gerrard who impressed me most.
He was our most dominant force, playing simple passes and he made an absolutely crucial interception just before the hour mark with Ukraine certain to score.
The Liverpool midfielder also fired in a couple of long-range shots, which kept Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov on his toes.
By doing that, the keeper felt he couldn’t drift too far from his line when the temptation would have been to have stood further forward to negate the threat of passes in behind to Theo Walcott.
Very intelligent from Gerrard.
Still world-class: Captain Steven Gerrard remains a key performer for England
Still world-class: Captain Steven Gerrard remains a key performer for England


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