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Originally Posted by KevanGuy
A question for the Portugal fans, do you think if the England right back is weak again (see: Hargraves or an unfit Neville) that they might flip Ronaldo to the left to play against a weaker player then Cole?
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Obviously I'm not a Portugal fan but here's my opinion anyway! It would not surprise me in the least to see Ronaldo, if fit, switch sides. Ashley Cole is one of the best left backs in the world and a heck of a competitor. Carragher and Hargreaves are not right backs and like you said Neville will not be fully fit. That would likely their best plan of attack.
As for England, sure Ive not been pleased with their performance but they are where they are, lucky or not.
I'd also like to think that they've played down to the opposition but, quite honestly, I think you can blame Sven for a lot of it. He has the tactical accumen of a wet noodle. His selections have been very poor.
Why he continues to play the pitiful Frank Lampard is beyond me? If he played a holding midfielder like Hargreaves or Carrick that would allow Gerrard to play in Lampard's position, where he would be much more effective. Then play the much maligned Crouch up front to hold up the ball and as a foil for Rooney.
Beckham might be good at set plays but he offers little else. Lennon has offered more in the few minutes he's played. (Although to be fair Beckham has been instrumental in quite a few of the goals England have scored though.)
It's going to be an interesting game and a tough one. Portugal will be the first real tough test for England. Can they raise to the occasion? They have the players but do they have the coaching and tactics?