sábado, 12 de novembro de 2016

England 3-0 Scotland: Auld Enemy fluff their lines as Three Lions take their chances - 5 things we learned



Daniel Sturridge headed home in the first period before Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill did likewise in the second to hand Gareth Southgate's men victory at Wembley


Daniel Sturridge struck as England beat Scotland 3-0 in their World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

In one of Gareth Southgate's toughest decisions, the interim manager started the Liverpool forward - despite finding himself out of the Reds' best XI - and was duly rewarded with a clever first half header, to put England in front.
Scotland started the second half the stronger of the two sides, and had a golden opportunity to level, but James Forrest missed a sitter.
2016 Getty Images
Craig Gordon is beaten by Sturridge's flicked header
Action Images via ReutersEngland's Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring their first goal
England's Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring their first goal
ReutersEngland's Adam Lallana celebrates scoring their second goal as Wayne Rooney shouts at John Stones
Robert Snodgrass looks to the heavens after Lallana extended England's lead
Getty ImagesGary Cahill of England celebrates with Wayne Rooney after scoring their third goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifying match between England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium on November 11, 2016 in London, England.
Gary Cahill celebrates making it 3-0
Minutes later, Gordon Strachan's side were punished, as Adam Lallana headed home Danny Rose's cross.
Gary Cahill's header added some gloss to the scoreline and sent the hosts clear at the top of Group F and on track to reach Russia 2018.
Here are five things we learned...

1. Sturridge still knows where the goal is

The FA via Getty ImagesDaniel Sturridge of England celebrates scoring the opening goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium on November 11, 2016 in London, England.
Daniel Sturridge does his rather familiar dance
As ever, the Liverpool striker was perfectly placed to direct Kyle Walker’s cross past Celtic keeper Craig Gordon.
He may be struggling to get a game under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, but Harry Kane’s absence has given him a chance in the England team - and he is taking it.
Southgate now has a selection poser for when Kane is fit.

2. Stones remains a work in progress

The FA via Getty Images
John Stones wins a header above Robert Snodgrass
The Manchester City man was a delight to watch as he brought the ball out of defence shortly before half time.
But he was harried into giving the ball away earlier with the Scotland’s players targeting him.
It continued after the break with Stones seen by Strachan’s men as the weak link in the England back line.

3. Decision-making let the brave Scots down

ReutersScotland's Darren Fletcher looks dejected after England's Adam Lallana scores their second goal
Fletcher's side missed chances at 1-0
Griffiths went for goal (and glory) instead of playing in Snodgrass. Hanley blew a free header. Forrest put a great chance the wrong side of the past.
They will rue missing the opportunities they had to put the pressure on. Shortly after Forrest fluffed his lines, England raced down the other end and scored to rub salt in the wound.
Strachan will have been pleased at his players’ application but he’ll have been cursing their poor finishing.

4. Rooney did little to justify that recall

Action Images via ReutersEngland's Wayne Rooney in action with Scotland's Ikechi Anya
England's Wayne Rooney in action with Scotland's Ikechi Anya
He was as willing as ever but it was Sturridge whose movement caused problems.
Rooney, in fact, was at fault for giving the ball away for Griffiths’ first-half chance. Yes, it was from his corner that Gary Cahill headed England’s third.
But Rooney failed to impose himself or to pose a convincing argument that he is back to being undroppable.

5. England are still wide open defensively

ReutersEngland's Joe Hart in action
It wasn't a quiet night for Joe Hart however
It took an outstanding performance by Joe Hart to prevent them conceding in Slovenia.
Here it was bad finishing from the Scots. But England do need to tighten up.
Cahill took a yellow card for hauling back Grant Hanley after he was robbed. England were chasing shadows when the Scots carved out that move to set up James Forrest.
A better side would have punished Southgate’s men.

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