Before England play Italy tonight in the Three Lions’ World Cup opener, Jack Lusby asks whether Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert should start over Wayne Rooney.
Liverpool’s captain Steven Gerrard shakes hands with Southampton’s Rickie Lambert during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Since new Liverpool signing Rickie Lambert has entered the senior England fold, the Kirkby-born striker has been in red hot form.
With a hand in a goal per game, Lambert has asserted himself on Roy Hodgson’s squad with aplomb, and made himself the go-to third-choice striking option prior to the World Cup.
An exceptional goals-to-game ratio at both international and club level—with a hand in 23 goals in 37 Premier League appearances in 2013/14—has boosted Lambert to the forefront of English football, earning the 32-year-old a dream move to his boyhood club.
A superb strike against Ecuador in England’s penultimate World Cup warm-up friendly has proven his credentials for the Three Lions even further, and Lambert believes “all the dreams I had as a kid” have come true, per BBC Sport.
But can the striker go one further and supplant Wayne Rooney as one of England’s starting forwards?
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler believes Lambert should start, and the 39-year-old told talkSPORT (h/t LiverpoolFC.com) that “I’d have Lambert as the focal point, and have Rooney and Sturridge playing off him as a three.”
Whilst that may not be the starting formation of choice for most, or even Hodgson himself, but the inclusion of Lambert in the thoughts of many is just.
The 32-year-old should start for England against Italy, and throughout the World Cup, over the increasingly stagnant Rooney.
Wayne Rooney
Manchester United striker Rooney has come under considerable criticism and questions have arisen surrounding the safety of his position in the England starting XI.
This has not least come from a former teammate, Paul Scholes, who told PaddyPower that the 28-year-old may have already peaked as a player.
“There’s a chance he’s worn out. Wayne’s peak may have been a lot younger than what we’d expect of footballers traditionally. Age 28 or 29 has been the normal ‘peak’. With Wayne, it could have been when he scored 27 league goals in 2011/2012 when he was 26.”
This is a notion that has been refuted by both Phil Neville and David Beckham, with the latter suggesting—bizarrely—that Rooney “scares” the opposition, per Sky Sports.
Furthermore, the striker himself has hit back at criticism.
However, there is much argument to suggest that the persistently deep-lying nature of Rooney’s game as a forward is to the detriment of Hodgson’s style of play—and that of those around the striker—with England.
Coming deep, more often than not, to retrieve the ball may endear Rooney to onlookers, but within a high-pressing system with a fluid link between defence and attack, this fractures the build-up of play and more often than not spurns the creation of chances.
Furthermore, it is not as if the striker has any claim to previous World Cup success.
The Whitehouse Address wrote recently that “English football obsesses over the me, the individual.”
“Rooney has no place in this England playing the way Hodgson wishes to play. If he wants to play a 4-2-3-1, a formation which has been proven to be a success for many top sides then where does Rooney fit?… he has played in the 10 role and to the left of the three…in the 10 position he is worse; he lacks smart movement.”
Lambert, however, thrives in the No. 10 role, and would be a much better option for Hodgson’s system, and would be a much better selection for this reason and many others.
Steven Gerrard is mobbed by team-mates after scoring the first equalising goal against Newcastle United, his 100th League goal, during the Premier League match at St. James’ Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Liverpool Way
Rodgers’ Liverpool achieved considerable, surprising success in 2013/14, winning the hearts and minds of many with a fluid, attacking brand of football.
The Northern Irishman’s capture of Lambert prior to the World Cup attests to his belief that Lambert would suit this system, and the 32-year-old is now part of a contingent of Liverpool players that will, and should, form the basis of England’s starting XI at the tournament.
This is a system that would prove successful on the international stage.
Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard believes that this impetus on the Reds’ players this season will benefit England due to their “hunger”, as per the Liverpool Echo .
“If Roy Hodgson picked four, five, six of the Liverpool players to go to the World Cup having had a great season, he’s going to be picking players full of confidence and really hungry to go and achieve something with England.”
Scholes agreed with this notion, suggesting that “It would be refreshing for England to adopt Liverpool’s attacking mentality,” per BBC Sport.
Choosing players of similar desire, hunger and mind-set, as well as playing a similar system and with a great knowledge of each other’s games would be of a great benefit to Hodgson going in to this tournament, and now Lambert should be included as such.
Southampton’s manager Mauricio Pochettino with captain Rickie Lambert before the Premiership match against Everton at St. Mary’s Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Southampton System
Under the stewardship of Mauricio Pochettino, Southampton developed into an admirable attacking side, in much of a similar vein to that of Rodgers’ Liverpool.
Lambert was at the heart of this side as a No. 10, and the player’s ability to hold up the ball, bringing other players into play, pass with quality and range, and finish with menace was apparent in his recent appearance for England against Ecuador.
The striker’s style of play has translated from the South Coast side’s platform to that of England succinctly, and will undoubtedly do so when he begins his tenure at Liverpool.
If Lambert were to replace Rooney in one of England’s latest line-ups, in the 3-0 victory over Peru, the starting XI would bear remarkable similarities in terms of individual qualities as that of Southampton this season:
England XI vs Peru (May 30) – Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson; Welbeck, Rooney, Lallana; Sturridge
Southampton XI vs Newcastle (March 29) – Boruc; Chambers, Lovren, Fonte, Shaw; Cork, Ward-Prowse; Lallana, Lambert, Davis; Rodriguez
The three players that stand out as similar—for obvious reasons in some cases—are Adam Lallana as the playmaking attacking midfielder, Lambert in Rooney’s role as the No. 10, and Jay Rodriguez as a poaching striker in the same mould as Daniel Sturridge.
Rodriguez, like Sturridge, is a player that thrives on balls supplied by a player such as Lambert to run on to, rather than beating a defender with the ball at his feet.
According to Squawka, both Rodriguez (44%) and Sturridge (42%) had poor take on success last season, however the former scored 15 league goals, and the latter 21.
This is the definition of a poacher, and one significant reason why Lambert would help England thrive in lieu of Rooney.
A Better Option?
Having analysed Lambert’s role within the Southampton system, and that of Rooney’s diminishing significance to England—as well as the importance of a cohesive contingent within the England squad—it is fair to say that the striker would hold up in place of the Manchester United striker.
Whilst it is unlikely that Lambert will supplant Rooney, mainly due to the 28-year-old’s reputation—a huge flaw in the selection of international squads—the new Liverpool striker should be considered carefully by Hodgson.
Perhaps the Kirkby boy can make one more dream come true this summer.
Do you agree that Rickie Lambert would be a better option than Wayne Rooney this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
Before England play Italy tonight in the Three Lions’ World Cup opener, Jack Lusby asks whether Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert should start over Wayne Rooney.
Liverpool’s captain Steven Gerrard shakes hands with Southampton’s Rickie Lambert during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Since new Liverpool signing Rickie Lambert has entered the senior England fold, the Kirkby-born striker has been in red hot form.
With a hand in a goal per game, Lambert has asserted himself on Roy Hodgson’s squad with aplomb, and made himself the go-to third-choice striking option prior to the World Cup.
An exceptional goals-to-game ratio at both international and club level—with a hand in 23 goals in 37 Premier League appearances in 2013/14—has boosted Lambert to the forefront of English football, earning the 32-year-old a dream move to his boyhood club.
A superb strike against Ecuador in England’s penultimate World Cup warm-up friendly has proven his credentials for the Three Lions even further, and Lambert believes “all the dreams I had as a kid” have come true, per BBC Sport.
But can the striker go one further and supplant Wayne Rooney as one of England’s starting forwards?
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler believes Lambert should start, and the 39-year-old told talkSPORT (h/t LiverpoolFC.com) that “I’d have Lambert as the focal point, and have Rooney and Sturridge playing off him as a three.”
Whilst that may not be the starting formation of choice for most, or even Hodgson himself, but the inclusion of Lambert in the thoughts of many is just.
The 32-year-old should start for England against Italy, and throughout the World Cup, over the increasingly stagnant Rooney.
Wayne Rooney
Manchester United striker Rooney has come under considerable criticism and questions have arisen surrounding the safety of his position in the England starting XI.
This has not least come from a former teammate, Paul Scholes, who told PaddyPower that the 28-year-old may have already peaked as a player.
“There’s a chance he’s worn out. Wayne’s peak may have been a lot younger than what we’d expect of footballers traditionally. Age 28 or 29 has been the normal ‘peak’. With Wayne, it could have been when he scored 27 league goals in 2011/2012 when he was 26.”
This is a notion that has been refuted by both Phil Neville and David Beckham, with the latter suggesting—bizarrely—that Rooney “scares” the opposition, per Sky Sports.
Furthermore, the striker himself has hit back at criticism.
However, there is much argument to suggest that the persistently deep-lying nature of Rooney’s game as a forward is to the detriment of Hodgson’s style of play—and that of those around the striker—with England.
Coming deep, more often than not, to retrieve the ball may endear Rooney to onlookers, but within a high-pressing system with a fluid link between defence and attack, this fractures the build-up of play and more often than not spurns the creation of chances.
Furthermore, it is not as if the striker has any claim to previous World Cup success.
The Whitehouse Address wrote recently that “English football obsesses over the me, the individual.”
“Rooney has no place in this England playing the way Hodgson wishes to play. If he wants to play a 4-2-3-1, a formation which has been proven to be a success for many top sides then where does Rooney fit?… he has played in the 10 role and to the left of the three…in the 10 position he is worse; he lacks smart movement.”
Lambert, however, thrives in the No. 10 role, and would be a much better option for Hodgson’s system, and would be a much better selection for this reason and many others.
Steven Gerrard is mobbed by team-mates after scoring the first equalising goal against Newcastle United, his 100th League goal, during the Premier League match at St. James’ Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Liverpool Way
Rodgers’ Liverpool achieved considerable, surprising success in 2013/14, winning the hearts and minds of many with a fluid, attacking brand of football.
The Northern Irishman’s capture of Lambert prior to the World Cup attests to his belief that Lambert would suit this system, and the 32-year-old is now part of a contingent of Liverpool players that will, and should, form the basis of England’s starting XI at the tournament.
This is a system that would prove successful on the international stage.
Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard believes that this impetus on the Reds’ players this season will benefit England due to their “hunger”, as per the Liverpool Echo .
“If Roy Hodgson picked four, five, six of the Liverpool players to go to the World Cup having had a great season, he’s going to be picking players full of confidence and really hungry to go and achieve something with England.”
Scholes agreed with this notion, suggesting that “It would be refreshing for England to adopt Liverpool’s attacking mentality,” per BBC Sport.
Choosing players of similar desire, hunger and mind-set, as well as playing a similar system and with a great knowledge of each other’s games would be of a great benefit to Hodgson going in to this tournament, and now Lambert should be included as such.
Southampton’s manager Mauricio Pochettino with captain Rickie Lambert before the Premiership match against Everton at St. Mary’s Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Southampton System
Under the stewardship of Mauricio Pochettino, Southampton developed into an admirable attacking side, in much of a similar vein to that of Rodgers’ Liverpool.
Lambert was at the heart of this side as a No. 10, and the player’s ability to hold up the ball, bringing other players into play, pass with quality and range, and finish with menace was apparent in his recent appearance for England against Ecuador.
The striker’s style of play has translated from the South Coast side’s platform to that of England succinctly, and will undoubtedly do so when he begins his tenure at Liverpool.
If Lambert were to replace Rooney in one of England’s latest line-ups, in the 3-0 victory over Peru, the starting XI would bear remarkable similarities in terms of individual qualities as that of Southampton this season:
England XI vs Peru (May 30) – Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson; Welbeck, Rooney, Lallana; Sturridge
Southampton XI vs Newcastle (March 29) – Boruc; Chambers, Lovren, Fonte, Shaw; Cork, Ward-Prowse; Lallana, Lambert, Davis; Rodriguez
The three players that stand out as similar—for obvious reasons in some cases—are Adam Lallana as the playmaking attacking midfielder, Lambert in Rooney’s role as the No. 10, and Jay Rodriguez as a poaching striker in the same mould as Daniel Sturridge.
Rodriguez, like Sturridge, is a player that thrives on balls supplied by a player such as Lambert to run on to, rather than beating a defender with the ball at his feet.
According to Squawka, both Rodriguez (44%) and Sturridge (42%) had poor take on success last season, however the former scored 15 league goals, and the latter 21.
This is the definition of a poacher, and one significant reason why Lambert would help England thrive in lieu of Rooney.
A Better Option?
Having analysed Lambert’s role within the Southampton system, and that of Rooney’s diminishing significance to England—as well as the importance of a cohesive contingent within the England squad—it is fair to say that the striker would hold up in place of the Manchester United striker.
Whilst it is unlikely that Lambert will supplant Rooney, mainly due to the 28-year-old’s reputation—a huge flaw in the selection of international squads—the new Liverpool striker should be considered carefully by Hodgson.
Perhaps the Kirkby boy can make one more dream come true this summer.
Do you agree that Rickie Lambert would be a better option than Wayne Rooney this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
With England set to play Italy on Saturday in their World Cup opener, Jack Lusby writes how Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson can play a starring role.
Three years ago this week, then-Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish sanctioned a reported near-£20 million fee for Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson in the first of a series of costly moves for the club as FSG began their ownership.
An inflated fee at the time—soon to be joined by those of Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll—Henderson soon became a maligned figure on Merseyside; often played out of position by the Scot, the midfielder failed to impose himself significantly.
However, flash forward those three years, and Henderson has become a key figure for the Reds, and is beginning to impress in much the same way for Roy Hodgson’s England side.
The Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law was full of praise for the 23-year-old following a dominant performance in the Three Lions’ 0-0 draw with Honduras in their final World Cup warm-up friendly in Miami.
Starting alongside club teammate Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield, Henderson’s energetic verve proved vital in the humid Floridian air, and the former Mackem’s tenacity proved crucial in a heated encounter.
Set to start against Italy in Manaus on Saturday night, Henderson can prove himself an integral player for England at the World Cup for many reasons.
Energy
Firstly, a hallmark of Henderson’s game is an unrelenting work rate, underlined by an unfaltering energy; even in the heat of Miami, Henderson was able to impose this on proceedings.
In particular, a recovery run, at 1:23 of the video above, shows how crucial this may be as England begin to get stretched in their World Cup encounters.
Making a 40-yard sprint back to the centre-circle to retrieve the ball, the 23-year-old thwarted what could have been a dangerous attack against a leggy England team.
Hodgson himself believes this will be vital component of his side’s game.
Deployed more closely alongside Gerrard than at club level, this suggests that—whilst a link between defence and attack will be required—Henderson will be tasked with pressing the opposition even more so than under Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.
Former Reds midfielder John Barnes agreed with Hodgson as to the importance of Henderson to England at the World Cup, as per the Liverpool Echo :
“I think he has [justified his inclusion]. He is one who can work hard, defend and he’s strong. That’s what Roy likes. Will he be able to play the same way for England [as at Liverpool]? We don’t know. But with his energy, I think he could be very important in Brazil.”
It can be argued that Henderson is in direct competition with Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere for the starting role alongside Gerrard.
Statistics, courtesy of Sky Sports, show that the Reds’ midfielder is much more effective in terms of energy.
Hugely important at the World Cup will be Henderson’s ability to cover the ground quickly and with consistency, a trait that Wilshere’s game seemingly lacks.
Passing
A greatly underrated facet of Henderson’s game—one which has developed considerably of late—is his ability to pass the ball.
For the Reds in 2013/14, the 23-year-old boasted an 87 percent passing accuracy, according to Squawka.
This places Henderson behind only Lucas Leiva, and on par with Joe Allen, in terms of Liverpool’s midfielders; Gerrard found a Liverpool teammate with the ball 86 percent of the time.
This is an ability that Henderson has used throughout England’s World Cup preparations, as he is tasked with linking the Three Lions’ defence with the attack.
In the 3-0 victory over Peru in May, Henderson was particularly effective in the pass.
Furthermore, this is something that the midfielder continued against Honduras.
The continuation of this passing quality, paired with such an energy, in a marked increase in heat between that of London against Peru and Miami against Honduras should prove that Henderson is the man to start for England in this role.
Partnership with Gerrard
As mentioned previously, Henderson should start alongside Gerrard in the centre of midfield for England.
It is in the continuation of this partnership that should prove the former Sunderland man an integral player for England at the World Cup.
The pair only missed seven games between them in the Premier League last season, and their combination in the heart of the midfield proved pivotal in the Reds’ title charge.
All signs point to Gerrard taking up his newly-developed regista role for Hodgson’s side at the World Cup, dictating play from deep with an exceptional passing range.
For Liverpool, Henderson’s energy is required for this situation to flourish, as the 34-year-old captain is no longer so effective at harrying opponents and winning the ball back.
As per LiverpoolFC.com, Henderson told Sky Sports that he is eager for his partnership with Gerrard to continue for England:
“Since I’ve been at Liverpool, Stevie has helped me a lot personally – on the field you pick up little things, training with him every week has really been a help to me.”
“We’ve got to keep that relationship going as long as possible and hopefully bring it to England. Me and Stevie have played through the season together and it’s worked really well at times.”
There should be no surprise, then, that Henderson’s club and country captain feels the same way, as their partnership has been so dominant at Anfield.
When Wilshere has started for England alongside Gerrard, their combination has at times been effective, but not to such an extent.
Gerrard and Henderson’s combined experience should start against Italy on Saturday night.
Experience
Whilst Henderson is still only 23 years old, his transformation under Rodgers at Liverpool has exuded a confidence and maturity beyond his young age.
This can also be said of the midfielder on the international stage.
Henderson has experience beyond his years that will be vital as England look to advance towards the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Speaking to TheFA.com, Henderson believes his experience of captaining the country’s Under-21’s side at the 2013 European Championships, and with the senior squad a year prior at Euro 2012, will stand him in good stead for the future.
“I learned a lot in both. Being at the Euros with the senior team and being around and involved with them, coming on and playing some part, I did learn from that experience. And being captain of the Under-21s and in a big tournament I learned a lot from that too. There’s no dressing it up, we didn’t do as well as we should have done.”
Much like in Poland and Ukraine in 2012, and Israel in 2013, England’s journey at Brazil this summer will likely be a rocky one, and Henderson can mine from this experience throughout.
Individually, the midfielder has develop significantly between then and now, and his shift in importance to Liverpool underlines this.
A hugely important player for his club, Henderson will be looking to translate this onto the international stage and become an integral player for England at the World Cup.
If the Three Lions shine, it will likely be due to the efforts of the 23-year-old.
Do you agree that Jordan Henderson can be a key player for England this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
With England set to play Italy on Saturday in their World Cup opener, Jack Lusby writes how Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson can play a starring role.
Three years ago this week, then-Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish sanctioned a reported near-£20 million fee for Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson in the first of a series of costly moves for the club as FSG began their ownership.
An inflated fee at the time—soon to be joined by those of Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll—Henderson soon became a maligned figure on Merseyside; often played out of position by the Scot, the midfielder failed to impose himself significantly.
However, flash forward those three years, and Henderson has become a key figure for the Reds, and is beginning to impress in much the same way for Roy Hodgson’s England side.
The Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law was full of praise for the 23-year-old following a dominant performance in the Three Lions’ 0-0 draw with Honduras in their final World Cup warm-up friendly in Miami.
Starting alongside club teammate Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield, Henderson’s energetic verve proved vital in the humid Floridian air, and the former Mackem’s tenacity proved crucial in a heated encounter.
Set to start against Italy in Manaus on Saturday night, Henderson can prove himself an integral player for England at the World Cup for many reasons.
Energy
Firstly, a hallmark of Henderson’s game is an unrelenting work rate, underlined by an unfaltering energy; even in the heat of Miami, Henderson was able to impose this on proceedings.
In particular, a recovery run, at 1:23 of the video above, shows how crucial this may be as England begin to get stretched in their World Cup encounters.
Making a 40-yard sprint back to the centre-circle to retrieve the ball, the 23-year-old thwarted what could have been a dangerous attack against a leggy England team.
Hodgson himself believes this will be vital component of his side’s game.
Deployed more closely alongside Gerrard than at club level, this suggests that—whilst a link between defence and attack will be required—Henderson will be tasked with pressing the opposition even more so than under Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.
Former Reds midfielder John Barnes agreed with Hodgson as to the importance of Henderson to England at the World Cup, as per the Liverpool Echo :
“I think he has [justified his inclusion]. He is one who can work hard, defend and he’s strong. That’s what Roy likes. Will he be able to play the same way for England [as at Liverpool]? We don’t know. But with his energy, I think he could be very important in Brazil.”
It can be argued that Henderson is in direct competition with Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere for the starting role alongside Gerrard.
Statistics, courtesy of Sky Sports, show that the Reds’ midfielder is much more effective in terms of energy.
Hugely important at the World Cup will be Henderson’s ability to cover the ground quickly and with consistency, a trait that Wilshere’s game seemingly lacks.
Passing
A greatly underrated facet of Henderson’s game—one which has developed considerably of late—is his ability to pass the ball.
For the Reds in 2013/14, the 23-year-old boasted an 87 percent passing accuracy, according to Squawka.
This places Henderson behind only Lucas Leiva, and on par with Joe Allen, in terms of Liverpool’s midfielders; Gerrard found a Liverpool teammate with the ball 86 percent of the time.
This is an ability that Henderson has used throughout England’s World Cup preparations, as he is tasked with linking the Three Lions’ defence with the attack.
In the 3-0 victory over Peru in May, Henderson was particularly effective in the pass.
Furthermore, this is something that the midfielder continued against Honduras.
The continuation of this passing quality, paired with such an energy, in a marked increase in heat between that of London against Peru and Miami against Honduras should prove that Henderson is the man to start for England in this role.
Partnership with Gerrard
As mentioned previously, Henderson should start alongside Gerrard in the centre of midfield for England.
It is in the continuation of this partnership that should prove the former Sunderland man an integral player for England at the World Cup.
The pair only missed seven games between them in the Premier League last season, and their combination in the heart of the midfield proved pivotal in the Reds’ title charge.
All signs point to Gerrard taking up his newly-developed regista role for Hodgson’s side at the World Cup, dictating play from deep with an exceptional passing range.
For Liverpool, Henderson’s energy is required for this situation to flourish, as the 34-year-old captain is no longer so effective at harrying opponents and winning the ball back.
As per LiverpoolFC.com, Henderson told Sky Sports that he is eager for his partnership with Gerrard to continue for England:
“Since I’ve been at Liverpool, Stevie has helped me a lot personally – on the field you pick up little things, training with him every week has really been a help to me.”
“We’ve got to keep that relationship going as long as possible and hopefully bring it to England. Me and Stevie have played through the season together and it’s worked really well at times.”
There should be no surprise, then, that Henderson’s club and country captain feels the same way, as their partnership has been so dominant at Anfield.
When Wilshere has started for England alongside Gerrard, their combination has at times been effective, but not to such an extent.
Gerrard and Henderson’s combined experience should start against Italy on Saturday night.
Experience
Whilst Henderson is still only 23 years old, his transformation under Rodgers at Liverpool has exuded a confidence and maturity beyond his young age.
This can also be said of the midfielder on the international stage.
Henderson has experience beyond his years that will be vital as England look to advance towards the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Speaking to TheFA.com, Henderson believes his experience of captaining the country’s Under-21’s side at the 2013 European Championships, and with the senior squad a year prior at Euro 2012, will stand him in good stead for the future.
“I learned a lot in both. Being at the Euros with the senior team and being around and involved with them, coming on and playing some part, I did learn from that experience. And being captain of the Under-21s and in a big tournament I learned a lot from that too. There’s no dressing it up, we didn’t do as well as we should have done.”
Much like in Poland and Ukraine in 2012, and Israel in 2013, England’s journey at Brazil this summer will likely be a rocky one, and Henderson can mine from this experience throughout.
Individually, the midfielder has develop significantly between then and now, and his shift in importance to Liverpool underlines this.
A hugely important player for his club, Henderson will be looking to translate this onto the international stage and become an integral player for England at the World Cup.
If the Three Lions shine, it will likely be due to the efforts of the 23-year-old.
Do you agree that Jordan Henderson can be a key player for England this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
In the last in our ‘World Cup Moments’ series, Henry Jackson (@OnFootballTweet) takes a look back at England’s triumph in 1966, and in particular Liverpool star Roger Hunt’s impact at the tournament.
The Tournament
Hosts England unforgettably won their only ever World Cup in their history in 1966, as Alf Ramsey’s side gained legendary status for their achievements that summer.
Having come top of their group ahead of Uruguay, Mexico and France, the Three Lions met Argentina in a heated quarter-final. Geoff Hurst scored the only goal of the game with 12 minutes remaining, as England secured a semi-final showdown with Portugal.
It was Bobby Charlton who was the hero in the clash with the Portuguese at Wembley, with the midfield legend scoring twice to put his country in total command. Although Eusebio, arguably the best player in Europe at the time, did reply with a late penalty, Ramsey’s men held on to book their place in their first ever World Cup final.
Bitter rivals West Germany awaited, in what remains the most famous day in the history of English football.
Helmut Haller stunned the Wembley crowd early on, but Hurst made it 1-1 soon after. The score stayed that way until the 78th minute.
Midfielder Martin Peters pounced on a spinning ball to put England within touching distance of glory, but Wolfgang Weber broke English hearts with one minute remaining to take the final into extra-time.
Hurst’s second goal, which came off the underside of the crossbar and supposedly crossed the line, was hugely controversial, and it put England back in command. The West Ham striker, who had been behind star striker Jimmy Greaves in the pecking order at the start of the tournament, completed his hat-trick with just seconds remaining.
Captain Bobby Moore lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy in front of a jubilant home crowd, and England were champions of the world.
The Impact of Hunt
While fellow Liverpool stars Gerry Byrne and Ian Callaghan barely featured- Callaghan played in the group stage match against France while Byrne didn’t play at all- striker Roger Hunt was an integral part of the side throughout the tournament.
He scored his first goal of the competition in England’s second game, a 2-0 win over Mexico- they had drawn their opening match 0-0 with Uruguay- finishing from close-range to double his side’s lead.
In the final group game against France, Hunt scored twice as the host’s won 2-0, with his Reds teammate Callaghan providing the assist for his second goal. Three strikes in as many group games was an excellent return.
Although Hunt didn’t score for the rest of the tournament, he remained a key player. His partnership in attack with Hurst was formidable.
If ever you needed proof that the ball crossed the line for Hurts’s second goal, you just have to look at Hunt’s reaction.
Despite being on hand to head the ball home when it comes off the crossbar, the Liverpool man immediately celebrates the goal. For Hunt to turn down a tap-in in a World Cup final it must have been a goal.
The then 27-year-old’s exploits make him an undoubted legend of English football, and he scored 18 goals in 34 appearances for the Three Lions.
He scored a staggering 286 goals in 492 appearances for Liverpool, meaning only Ian Rush (346) has scored more for the club. There haven’t been many better British strikers in history.
Other LFC Players Present at the 1966 World Cup
None
Previous World Cup Moments:
In the last in our ‘World Cup Moments’ series, Henry Jackson (@OnFootballTweet) takes a look back at England’s triumph in 1966, and in particular Liverpool star Roger Hunt’s impact at the tournament.
The Tournament
Hosts England unforgettably won their only ever World Cup in their history in 1966, as Alf Ramsey’s side gained legendary status for their achievements that summer.
Having come top of their group ahead of Uruguay, Mexico and France, the Three Lions met Argentina in a heated quarter-final. Geoff Hurst scored the only goal of the game with 12 minutes remaining, as England secured a semi-final showdown with Portugal.
It was Bobby Charlton who was the hero in the clash with the Portuguese at Wembley, with the midfield legend scoring twice to put his country in total command. Although Eusebio, arguably the best player in Europe at the time, did reply with a late penalty, Ramsey’s men held on to book their place in their first ever World Cup final.
Bitter rivals West Germany awaited, in what remains the most famous day in the history of English football.
Helmut Haller stunned the Wembley crowd early on, but Hurst made it 1-1 soon after. The score stayed that way until the 78th minute.
Midfielder Martin Peters pounced on a spinning ball to put England within touching distance of glory, but Wolfgang Weber broke English hearts with one minute remaining to take the final into extra-time.
Hurst’s second goal, which came off the underside of the crossbar and supposedly crossed the line, was hugely controversial, and it put England back in command. The West Ham striker, who had been behind star striker Jimmy Greaves in the pecking order at the start of the tournament, completed his hat-trick with just seconds remaining.
Captain Bobby Moore lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy in front of a jubilant home crowd, and England were champions of the world.
The Impact of Hunt
While fellow Liverpool stars Gerry Byrne and Ian Callaghan barely featured- Callaghan played in the group stage match against France while Byrne didn’t play at all- striker Roger Hunt was an integral part of the side throughout the tournament.
He scored his first goal of the competition in England’s second game, a 2-0 win over Mexico- they had drawn their opening match 0-0 with Uruguay- finishing from close-range to double his side’s lead.
In the final group game against France, Hunt scored twice as the host’s won 2-0, with his Reds teammate Callaghan providing the assist for his second goal. Three strikes in as many group games was an excellent return.
Although Hunt didn’t score for the rest of the tournament, he remained a key player. His partnership in attack with Hurst was formidable.
If ever you needed proof that the ball crossed the line for Hurts’s second goal, you just have to look at Hunt’s reaction.
Despite being on hand to head the ball home when it comes off the crossbar, the Liverpool man immediately celebrates the goal. For Hunt to turn down a tap-in in a World Cup final it must have been a goal.
The then 27-year-old’s exploits make him an undoubted legend of English football, and he scored 18 goals in 34 appearances for the Three Lions.
He scored a staggering 286 goals in 492 appearances for Liverpool, meaning only Ian Rush (346) has scored more for the club. There haven’t been many better British strikers in history.
Other LFC Players Present at the 1966 World Cup
None
Previous World Cup Moments:
We take a look at this morning’s Liverpool transfer rumours, with Barcelona manager Luis Enrique apparently dealing a blow to Liverpool’s move for Pedro.
Pedro celebrates scoring the first goal against Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Propaganda)
Brendan Rodgers‘ move for Barcelona forward Pedro has been dealt a blow by the Catalan club, according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo .
Roughly translated, Gabriel Sans claims that “[Luis Enrique] is preparing a technical template with Pedro at the forefront.”
“They are not listening to offers, although they know the interest of teams from England (Liverpool and Arsenal), France (PSG) and Italy (Rome).”
Despite the 44-year-old’s intention to overhaul the club significantly following his appointment as manager—including Cesc Fabregas’ move to Chelsea yesterday—Pedro seems to be one player who will stay at Barcelona under Enrique.
“[Pedro's] contract expires in 2016…and the club want to expand it.”
Elsewhere, following his engagement this week, Liverpool striker Fabio Borini has once more been linked away from Merseyside.
The Northern Echo report that the 23-year-old Italian remains a target for Sunderland boss Gus Poyet, although the Wearside club would need to pay “in excess of the £10.5m paid to Roma for him in July 2012.”
It is believed that whilst Borini remains a part of Rodgers’ plans at Anfield, the club would be persuaded by such a considerable fee; following Rickie Lambert’s transfer, Borini is arguably the Reds’ fourth-choice striker.
However, Poyet “would be reluctant to invest a large slice of his transfer budget on just one player this summer, regardless of how well he did on loan last season.”
This has led to tenuous links to a swap deal involving the Black Cats’ Adam Johnson, and the former England international would surely relish a move to Liverpool.
The 26-year-old scored eight goals and made five assists in 36 appearances last season, and would bolster Rodgers’ squad to some extent.
However, predictably, “Liverpool have other options in mind ahead of him despite an interest.”
One such player is Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri.
Sky Sports Italy journalist Fabrizio Romano, a reputable source, claims that Liverpool’s interest in the Swiss international—set to star at the World Cup against Ecuador on Sunday—is concrete.
The versatile 22-year-old scored six goals and made two assists in 17 Bundesliga appearances last season, continuing a peripheral role under Pep Guardiola.
A pacy, physical prospect, Shaqiri would be an ideal signing for the Reds, particularly if a move for Southampton’s Adam Lallana continues to stall.
How do you feel about the latest Reds rumours? Let us know in the comments below.
We take a look at this morning’s Liverpool transfer rumours, with Barcelona manager Luis Enrique apparently dealing a blow to Liverpool’s move for Pedro.
Pedro celebrates scoring the first goal against Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Propaganda)
Brendan Rodgers‘ move for Barcelona forward Pedro has been dealt a blow by the Catalan club, according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo .
Roughly translated, Gabriel Sans claims that “[Luis Enrique] is preparing a technical template with Pedro at the forefront.”
“They are not listening to offers, although they know the interest of teams from England (Liverpool and Arsenal), France (PSG) and Italy (Rome).”
Despite the 44-year-old’s intention to overhaul the club significantly following his appointment as manager—including Cesc Fabregas’ move to Chelsea yesterday—Pedro seems to be one player who will stay at Barcelona under Enrique.
“[Pedro's] contract expires in 2016…and the club want to expand it.”
Elsewhere, following his engagement this week, Liverpool striker Fabio Borini has once more been linked away from Merseyside.
The Northern Echo report that the 23-year-old Italian remains a target for Sunderland boss Gus Poyet, although the Wearside club would need to pay “in excess of the £10.5m paid to Roma for him in July 2012.”
It is believed that whilst Borini remains a part of Rodgers’ plans at Anfield, the club would be persuaded by such a considerable fee; following Rickie Lambert’s transfer, Borini is arguably the Reds’ fourth-choice striker.
However, Poyet “would be reluctant to invest a large slice of his transfer budget on just one player this summer, regardless of how well he did on loan last season.”
This has led to tenuous links to a swap deal involving the Black Cats’ Adam Johnson, and the former England international would surely relish a move to Liverpool.
The 26-year-old scored eight goals and made five assists in 36 appearances last season, and would bolster Rodgers’ squad to some extent.
However, predictably, “Liverpool have other options in mind ahead of him despite an interest.”
One such player is Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri.
Sky Sports Italy journalist Fabrizio Romano, a reputable source, claims that Liverpool’s interest in the Swiss international—set to star at the World Cup against Ecuador on Sunday—is concrete.
The versatile 22-year-old scored six goals and made two assists in 17 Bundesliga appearances last season, continuing a peripheral role under Pep Guardiola.
A pacy, physical prospect, Shaqiri would be an ideal signing for the Reds, particularly if a move for Southampton’s Adam Lallana continues to stall.
How do you feel about the latest Reds rumours? Let us know in the comments below.
0 comments: