As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Andy Gray: Hodgson capable of improving England in attack

Sharethematch.com ambassador Andy Gray was talking exclusively to tribalfootball.com…

ENGLAND'S exit from Euro 2012 has been met with the usual moans and groans about the state of football in this country but I will buck the trend and say there are plenty of positives to take away this time.

Obviously losing on penalties is heartbreaking but if we look at it another way, to win their group without losing a game when no one gave them a prayer of doing so was a great achievement - many people predicted that they wouldn't even get out of it.

But the big disappointment for Roy Hodgson will be that they didn't really play against Italy, that they didn't impose themselves on the game.

They didn't grab it by the scruff of the neck and say 'we're as good as you, Italy' - they were a bit submissive instead.

There were a lot of positives for England though - the young players gained experience which is a bonus, and England know they're an organised team that can defend.

But Roy knows he has to make England better and different when they have the ball, and I think he'll do that.

Roy's not a stupid man - he's an intelligent, diligent, international manager of great experience who has the job he's craved all of his life, and I don't think he's going to be so stubborn as to not know that he has to change a few things.

I will be surprised if Roy changes his back five - they were fantastic throughout the tournament and they will all still be very good in the near future.

But I do think he will tinker with his midfield and his attack - the likes of Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can become important figures in this side.

 
Andy Gray is an official ambassador for Sharethematch.com - Football's Social Network. Available now for FREE online or at the App Store; http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/share-the-match/id450784289?mt=8

Video of the day:

About the author

Tribal Football Staff

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free