|
MARK LAWRENSON ON EURO 2008 QUALIFIERS
If you're going to qualify for Euro 2008 you have to win your home games, and that's exactly what England have to do against Israel at Wembley on Saturday.
Yes Steve McClaren's squad have injuries, but I don't think it's as bad as the press are making out.
The key for England is that those coming in are quality players who have a point to prove, people like David James (who I expect to start in goal), Shaun Wright-Phillips and Micah Richards.
Israel try to channel the opposition through the middle, so it's so important England get into wide positions and fire in crosses.
Up front, I don't think Emile Heskey will start, but if he does I just hope England don't rely on playing 40-yard balls up to him all match - that style of play is so Neanderthal it's frightening.
If Scotland are going to have any chance of qualifying for Euro 2008 they have to beat the likes of Lithuania at Hampden Park because they've still got a couple of tough asks away from home.
Alex McLeish's side are in good form and they can't afford to fall below that level of consistency.
Northern Ireland also find themselves in a strong position, but they have a tricky game away at Latvia.
But Nigel Worthington's side have found a winning formula - they play with a nice system with a bit of width, get the ball in the box and David Healy scores.
In many ways, when you're playing well, football isn't rocket science.
The going's been tough for Wales, but I was speaking to John Toshack recently and he can see light at the end of the tunnel.
There's never a good time to play Germany, but Toshack will continue to blood a few youngsters and he's confident that in another year or 18 months time, when his side progress as a unit and individuals, Wales will have a decent side.
Mark Lawrenson won 39 caps for the Republic of Ireland and will be commentating on England v Israel on BBC ONE.
(Mark Lawrenson was talking to Paul Atherton.) |
Back to newsletter list
BBC Daily E-mail
