Disappointing End To the Season

The football season properly ended yesterday as England played Switzerland in their Euro 2012 qualifier. Prior to the game England led their group on goal difference with ten points from four games alongside Montenegro. Switzerland on the other hand were struggling with only four points from four games.

After the FIFA farce, the English press were telling the team to thrash Switzerland as Blatter is Swiss-born. This never came into fruition as England were unsurprisingly below par. Switzerland took the lead after 32 minutes when Tranquillo Barnetta looped a free-kick into the box that beat everyone, including the wrong footed Joe Hart as the ball trickled into the bottom corner. It got worse for England as Switzerland were given another free-kick three minutes later; Barnetta stepped up again and took full advantage as James Milner departed from the two man wall, the ball went through the wall and beat Hart to his front post. England were able to pull one back two minutes later (37) when Wilshere was fouled by his Arsenal teammate Djourou in the box. Lampard stepped up and converted although keeper Benaglio was mighty close to saving it.

The second half saw substitute Ashley Young equalise make an instant impact when his half-volley rippled to net just six minutes after the restart. From there both teams created chances with Bent missing a half empty net for England. But neither team found the net and game finished 2-2. Luckily for England Montenegro also drew with Bulgaria so England remain top on goal difference. However, despite the poor performance Fabio Capello decided to play the tired game, which everyone must be getting tired of. Yes England has just finished its football season, although two weeks should have been enough time apart from Ferdinand, so they may be feeling the pinch. But hasn't Switzerland also finished its football season also? It's got to work both ways and as Switzerland looked the better team and not lethargic at all then I'm sorry Fabio Capello but this tiredness lark just doesn't wash anymore. Either put up or shut up and admit to England's defensive and attacking mistakes when they happen, they're not tired they're just not good enough.