England played France on consecutive nights, unfortunatly they lost twice

Booth matches were well supported with fans travelling long distances to support their team.  The loud intro music and lighting display show cased an exciting experience for those new to futsal.

Those watching included Sir Trevor Brooking and senior FA officials; which is excellent for those of us involved at the grass roots level of the game to know the game is supported at the highest senior levels.

On Tuesday England took a 2-0 lead and then collapsed to 2-4.  Reports texted to me suggested the standard of play witnessed was below that anticipated. 

On Wednesday England again took an early 1-0 advantage with a well worked goal.  From then until an equalizer shortly before half time Graham Smiths (England keepers) hands and every other part of his anatomy must have been burning as he was called into continual action.  Sporadic England breaks threatened without conviction.

France were poor opposition by comparison to serious futsal teams, they were on a par with the better teams that participate in European club competitions.  That may be a disservice to them; they played well enough to win two games without stretching themselves.  If they had more in the tank England did not, individual and team weaknesses were there to obviouse.

Time and time again England won the ball in defense, the counter attack was there to be sprung, France thinking quicker and moving quicker were able to recover the situation before the attack materialized. 

When in England player did have the ball in attacking situations the art of dribbling and creating space to off load a shot was missing.  Thirty five minutes had been played before an England player exhibited ‘individual skill, to beat an opponent to shoot.

2-1 down, the clock closing in on 40 minutes, saw the England keeper, urged on by the crowd move into the opposition half to off load a shot that the France keeper showed great agility to keep out.

The buzzer sounded time. 

Should England coach Graham Dell have called a time out, taken his keeper off and used an accomplished out fielder in goal to rest the initiative from France?  Desperate situations need desperate remedies.

Did England have their best team out?

Player Richard Follett said in the match programme, he trained for futsal, he did not play futsal.  Is it possible to play international futsal and not play the game on a week to week basis?

England looked like an identity kit futsal team, every player similar height, weight and ability.  They looked like eleven aside players playing futsal. They were eleven aside players playing futsal.

No business can or should allow a situation of played 30 won 0  without question.

Can an upward trend be created?

Are England on the right track?

How difficult is the problem challenging team manager Graham Dell.

Giving the limited time England have played futsal are we actually on track and maybe over achieving?

Answers please……………………….. 

http://www.thefa.com/England/Futsal/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2006/12/EnglandFutsal_vFrance_reaction.htm

no date - 2006 ? out of date ?