/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23296977/188113274.0.jpg)
Last night was a humbling experience. After the jubilation that comes with World Cup qualification, we were reminded exactly why we are nobody's pick to win the World Cup in Brazil next summer.
On a night which saw two players given their England debut in goalkeeper Fraser Forster and attacker Jay Rodriguez, England were left frustrated and perplexed as they witnessed a strong Chile side dominate possession.
As the full time whistle sounded, there was a noticeable chorus of boos as the English players drifted off the pitch, chin to chest. However Roy Hodgson is choosing to look at the positives from last night:
"There were good lessons for us to learn. We gave players a chance to play for England,I can't talk away or explain away a defeat which I thought came to a Chile side who played very well. It's not all doom and gloom. It's how you deal with defeats and we'll retain a sense of perspective."
I don't think the fans were booing the defeat, a defeat in a friendly is completely meaningless. I think fans were booing the manner in which a defeat came. England created very little, gave the ball away too often and often looked a step behind their South American opponents.
South American teams barely send high balls down the field, and Chile constantly played their way from the back. I think you could count on one hand the number of times they played the ball more than 30 yards in the air. England will likely come up against a team just like this in the World Cup, so it's important to see the style in front of you.
Lets also not forget that we were missing some key players like Phil Jagielka, Steven Gerrard, Theo Walcott, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck and the list goes on. That's not an excuse by any means, it's just keeping a little perspective.
I really think that Defoe's time with England should come to an end, he rarely plays for his club and in my personal opinion he just isn't on the international level any more. I really like Defoe but when you have a guy like Berahino scoring for fun in the U21's and then Defoe who's just turned 31, it's time to give experience to the future.
I hope that we see Ross Barkley start in the middle with Gerrard on Tuesday against Germany, we need energy inside, and that is something we lacked last night. I wouldn't be against playing a 3 man midfield of Wilshere, Gerrard and Barkley with Rooney, Sturridge and Lallana up top.
It was disappointing last night, but it's certainly not a surprise either.
Loading comments...