Pace

England have players with pace like barkley, ox and sterling who can take players out of the game through beating them, we don't have the ability to pass the ball accurately with speed...that's the far more important one because it keeps possession and tires the opposition...crucial in that heat.

Pace is overrated by fans who like to see exciting football.
They think it solves everything

agree g1 jockey, remember franz carr, like a whippet but couldn't control a football.

Pace is overrated by fans who like to see exciting football

no its not. Pace is crucial at any level of the game whether it be schoolboy, vets or the world cup - pace frightens defenders more than anything else

Correct toffee if there's one thing defences hate its an attacking player with a turn of foot that will run at them and England have a few of those, welbeck's very quick we know Sturridge has bags of pace and Stirling who has a good few gears must be the most improved player in the premier.

Barkley is a very talented player but he certainly doesn't possess pace.

I noticed when Italy played Ireland they instantly passed the ball.  England players take the ball, run a bit, look for a player, then pass it.  The Italian style imo is easier on the legs.  England huff and puff, then run out of puff.
But they might hammer Italy.  That is the beauty of the game.

Its pace allied to ability that really counts. From my playing days many moons ago as a defensive midfielder I knew if could match an opponent for pace or thought I had more skill I could cope; shepherding them the wrong way, forcing to use their weak foot etc. If they are really fast and have real football talent very few can cope. Think Giggs in his prime and Bale and Ronaldo now. We have lots of pace but generally not the talent. Welbeck has minimal football ability at this level, Sterling and Ox are unproven and probably going to be like Walcott in occasional brilliance amongst lots of dross. The only exception is Sturridge; he has the pace and ability but is still too greedy and also misses too many easy chances so won't get you the goals more natural finishers like Owen, Lineker used to. IMO Roy needs pragmatism not the mantra of pace the press are trying to force. Maybe unleash some of the quick guys from the bench if games are going against us but better to start with Lallana, Milner, Gerrard, Henderson Rooney and Sturridge v Italy and better match them at their own game.

Barkley is a very talented player but he certainly doesn't possess pace.

Barkley's "pace" is over 5 - 10 yards with the ball at his feet - he is certainly not a sprinter

Pace in the brain is far more important

Well said Jockey.  That will count for plenty in the humidity.

pace over 5-10 yards can take 2 opposition players out of the game....incidentally, he didn't look too slow when he ran from box to box against some team or other near the end of last season....anyway he's the one out of the youngsters I feel most confident with ball at feet and attacking the opposition.

Yep, passing it at pace and keeping possession is the most important, getting opposition running around chasing their tale is paramount in that heat....that's why england are set to struggle.

I totally agree with Duffy.England have limited technical ability,we defend and chase the ball eventually win it then promply give it back,with our lack of first touch, control and passing ability.
It will be very hot and humid v Italy and the conditions wont suit headless chickens.

ps I hope im wrong.

toffee87  • June 10, 2014 9:34 PM BST 


Pace is overrated by fans who like to see exciting football

no its not. Pace is crucial at any level of the game whether it be schoolboy, vets or the world cup - pace frightens defenders more than anything else

spot on.