StraferJack Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > People read way to much into pre tournament > friendlies Possibly - but last night wouldn't rankle if it weren't for the tantalising glimpse of what COULD be in the 2nd half v Ecuador. Last night was the same old malaise, as though concentration and confidence disappear when some players play for England; replaced by a nervy, jittery, sloppy perma-panic that thrashes wildly without getting anywhere. I agree they have to start with the (relatively) nerveless new caps; Barkely, Lambert, Ox-C, Sterling, Lallana etc. who will make mistakes but don't seem to let that throw them or sap their desire to try it again. If they do their stuff then the leaky back isn't such a terrible problem - we'll just score more than them! ...though that could just be the Iron in me talking:)