England Team at a crossroad

Please feel free to discuss. The article is found in the features section of the football.co.uk website.

I was disappointed with how England collapsed against the USA in the second half of the World Cup. They didn't really trouble the US defence. I think a change of tactics is needed and the dropping of Aluko also. She may be quick but doesn't take her chances and her eye for goal is non existent. Leanne Sanderson should start as her goal ratio is a lot better and her eye for a goal good.

We have some good wingers in this country and they aren't used as much as they should be. 4-4-2 is a proven winner in games , England sometimes play more defensive football than attacking. They qualified for the w/c by playing some good attacking football but when it mattered they resorted back to defensive play in some games.

I agree with a lot of what that smithy says - Eni Aluko is a really fast player, but just doesn't find the net enough.

I've been to both England's games since the World Cup, and have been pleased to see them win, but would have expected to see a bit better.

I've heard excuses attributed to Hope Powell about "tired legs".
Basically, that is nonsense - since the girls went to China, there have been a total of 6 games played by the national team, and the teams that provided the bulk of the squad, Arsenal and Everton, have played relatively few games - before today had played just 8 Premiership games each, 3 UEFA qualifying group games each, (plus the 2 games Arsenal played in the quarter finals), and games against lesser opposition in other competition.

It's not like the men's teams who have had to play World Cup games etc fairly soon after the end of the season, then a rest for a week or two, and then be back in training - joining their teams in pre-season games.

I feel that Hope should have given opportunities to other players in the recent post-WC games in the UEFA Women's championship.
Players such as Katie Anderton, who has spent the time that other players were otherwise occupied knocking in a few goals herself, should have been given a chance - especially when playing a "lesser" team like Belarus (no insult intended to Belarus).
And - isn't about time Lianne Sanderson was given a regular starting position?

I think it's more a case of "tired thoughts" by the coaching staff rather than "tired legs".

I was dissapointed with expectation for the WC. Seemed like going out in quarter finals was seen as ok.
Thought they could have done much better.

I like Aluko, but not seen many of the other strikers, so cant comment on that.
442 seems a good option with the players they have. I always liked 352 with wingbacks, which would suit Casey Stoney and Alex Scott. Especially Alex Scott, was good in the world cup, but only if she was playing as a right winger (or inside right) - fulbacks should get nose bleeds going past the Halfway line.

Aluko and her qualities is well suited to the actual defensive mindset. I believe England could have beaten the USA had they been more adventurous in their attacking play. In a way I am gonna dr w a bad parrallel here it was like England Brazil at the WC 2002, once Brazil went in front England lacked idea.
I think the actual 4-2-3-1 system is suited to the attacking players and only need a change of personnel
and readjustment of the defensive block 10 or 15 meter higher on the pitch :
to win a lot more ball back easily
to be able to transform defense into attack in seconds without being too far away from opposition goal and therefore be more effective
if not possible install a pass the ball game and wait to fine an opening; with so many players who can manipulate the ball in a proper way England should be able to sustain that kid of game :
Unitt Asante Williams Smith and Smith Potter Carney Yankey Sanderson Chapman