The big talk for England was about whether Rooney would play and for Italy it was if Prandelli would pick Insigne or Immobile to partner Balotelli upfront. Hodgson put Rooney on the left which worked and didn't work. Whilst Balotelli was played with no strike partner...and we all know who scored that winning goal.
England's star man was Sterling. That was not in doubt. For the whole match, that was the one guy who was CONSTANTLY causing trouble for Italy. Apart from having the ability, Sterling played with no fear and just played football. But Italy have ten Sterlings who all have ability and all are very comfortable and confident on the ball. They also have the bearded one who again just showed that we will greatly miss one of THE greatest central midfielders of all time.
It was a close game. A good game. Rooney DID have an amazing chance to equalise, and he blew it. Balotelli had his own chance and he took it. That's what big boy football is all about. BIG players WILL take their chance if it is given to them. I signed off Rooney after 2010, convinced he was no good. If England want to go far which they can at this Cup...drop Rooney, or make sure he plays the left wing position properly. You should play a natural left winger there but if Rooney can truly help the team as he did for Sturridge..then so be it.
For Italy, the GHOST came through. This was one of Marchisio's best games and he played that attacking midfield position real well. However, Insigne must come into the fray as I'm liking how solid and composed this Italian team is looking. They may not win the cup, but they have all the components to go far. And we may preach about Pirlo, Balotelli....but can we give a shout out to Candreva?????!!!!
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HH
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