Same can be said to Bendtner’s future, after Denmark went out despite upsetting the odds with an opening day win over a Dutch side who ultimately lost all three group games. That exit of course means Robin Van Persie will be playing a couple less games than we would have expected as well as coming through the tournament without a scratch, which is only good news.
Both of England’s Arsenal contingent, Chamberlain and Walcott came on as substitutes in a close win over Ukraine. While Milner has been pretty dire all tournament, offering little aside from some huff and puff, the tactical reasons for his inclusion over Walcott are pretty clear. In terms of balance, it would be a folly to have two strikers as well as a pair of wingers and a midfielder in Gerrard who is itching to burst forward. Instead, Hodgson has gone for the more solid presence of Milner on the right, tucking in so as to make almost a midfield three.
Despite Milner’s pretty abject performances to date, there’s not really anyone else in the squad who could fill that role. Someone like Barry could provide that kind of balance but on the left hand side allowing Walcott’s inclusion on the right. The only other alternative to Milner would be Henderson, and he would surely go on the right, again excluding Walcott from starting. It seems likely then that our Arsenal boys will purely play off the bench.
Whether England’s tournament extends further than the quarter finals is anyone’s guess with being Italy no pushovers, and England yet to impress performance-wise despite surprising many by topping the group.
Looking forward, Tomas Rosicky is a doubt for the Czech Republic’s quarter final versus Portugal. Apparently he is winning his race to be fit, so I’m hoping that doesn’t mean painkilling injections to allow him to play (and potentially aggravating his injury in the process). As captain and a crucial player for the Czech side in his own right, it could well be that there is a temptation to push Rosicky back into the starting line-up… hopefully he takes the field and does so fully fit.
Germany versus France will see Podolski back in action with Mertesacker likely to remain benched. Spain versus France has the interesting sub plot of the likely inclusion of Laurent Koscielny in light of Mexes’ suspension. Providing France’s training sessions have ensured he has a good level of familiarity with the other defenders, I expect Koscielny to have a blinder. There is always the risk of a relatively inexperienced player being overawed at this stage of the tournament, but having seen Laurent boss Barcelona’s attackers I fully expect him to be outstanding against the French.
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