Despite defeat in Manaus, England’s free-spirited performance against an experienced Italy should encourage Roy Hodgson to unleash the young guns.
The 2-1 loss against Italy has put their prospects of qualifying from Group D in serious danger after Costa Rica’s shock 3-1 win over Uruguay in Fortaleza, blasted the group wide open.
However, the future was on display on the grandest stage of all and they did not disappoint. Hodgson’s selection of Raheem Sterling in an attacking role behind Liverpool team-mate, Daniel Sturridge, is what the new England is about.
Youthful exuberance, pace, technical nous, a player to drive fear into the heart of an opponent and weary legs. No more relying on the old guard, the fear of failure not ingrained in the psyche.
Sterling was the standout player, starting his first competitive international match, having never played in the Champions League.
The 19-year-old caused all manner of problems with his pace as he blazed through and around the Azzurri’s midfield.
Contrast this with previous England World Cup and European Championship displays; dull, slow, lethargic; often uninterested and full of fear.
The affect of Sterling’s role in the number 10 role meant that Wayne Rooney was moved to the left of a 4-2-3-1. This proved disastrous but, for Rooney to play, it had to be that way.
Rooney, under heavy pressure to perform at this (his third World Cup) tournament, was given the run around by Matteo Darmian and Antonio Candreva.
Caught in no-man’s land too often, Rooney often found himself isolated, not knowing whether or not to track back or find space for a counter attack, to come infield or stay put.
This left Leighton Baines in many two on one situations as Italy raided England’s left flanks. Ultimately, both goals would come from this side of the field.
Switching Rooney with Danny Welbeck at halftime inadvertently led to Mario Balotelli’s winner when Welbeck failed to track Candreva’s run; giving him oceans of space and time to set up the goal.
Hodgson selection of both Manchester United players had merit; they provide a goal threat as well as their abilities to track back and recover the ball.
This did not work; both were at fault for the goals and, despite Rooney’s assist for Sturridge’s equaliser, they never looked threatening going forward. Welbeck often drifted into central areas, congesting the space for Sterling to create.
The manager will need to make an even bigger call for Thursday’s showdown with Uruguay. Does he inject more youth and drop the United duo to the bench? Does he switch their roles?
The time for caution is gone, its win or bust in Sao Paolo. The introduction of Ross Barkley was immediate and there is a case for Adam Lallana to start.
Both performed well during their second half introductions whereas, Jack Wilshere looked off the pace and his passing radar was off kilter.
The result has left Hodgson a dilemma: stick or twist. For a manager not reknowned for adventure — despite what he might say or think — this will prove tough.
Although England’s defence received a lot of criticism, they performed well and only looked in trouble when Italy exposed the defensive deficiencies of the United duo out wide.
More youth I say. More attack, more pace. Uruguay’s defence was a shambles against Costa Rica.
A case for Lallana to start on the left of a 4-2-3-1 with Rooney in the hole can be made. With Sterling in the line-up, they can interchange or switch to a 4-3-3 if needed.
Rooney will not be burdened with defensive responsibilities and be free to roam in the space between the lines. He will not play up front again while Sturridge is injury free; it’s this or the bench.
This would mean Sterling moving wide right of the attacking three and Welbeck dropping to out.
There is merit in this but he had a better game than his United team-mate. Sterling’s threat dissipated when he move to the right and England lost the spark that was needed to get a result.
Barkley was impressive but will stay on the bench and be used again as an impact substitute if required.
Loyalty is an intangible currency valued in sport and often misunderstood to the average sports fan. Hodgson’s must decide if England’s past should meet its future as they converge; out with the old, in with the new.
Does he give Rooney one last shot at the big time or, does he take his record of one assist and no goals in nine matches in three tournaments and, cut the ties that bind.
There is an old Italian proverb which states: “The man who lives his life in hope, will die in despair.”
The time is now for Hodgson and should read: “Fortune favours the brave.”
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