England’s disgraceful Euro 2016 performance praised by Uefa in official tournament report despite Iceland humiliation
Three Lions went crashing out straight after group stage on back of terrible matches but still impressed Euro chiefs
YOU thought it was a total embarrassment — one of the most humiliating tournaments in England history.
Beaten by a frozen rock from the middle of the Atlantic — Iceland.
But in fact, at least according to Uefa, England under Roy Hodgson were a team to watch and savour at Euro 2016.
A team that dazzled with their offensive patterns, vigour and energy.
And with a keeper who was brilliant with his feet.
But it was his hands that let England down. Indeed, if ever scandal-hit Uefa wanted to undermine its tattered reputation further, the publication of the official report into Euro 2016 pushes ALL the buttons.
There was criticism of the one-dimensional display in the goalless final group game against Slovakia.
Yet Hodgson’s men were praised for “a possession-based game with patient passing” with an “emphasis on building from the back and accurate distribution by Joe Hart”.
Uefa reported: “England were a youthful, committed, energetic team with technique in all departments.”
Hodgson’s men were also praised for “neat high-tempo combinations opening play to wide areas” and the fact they could switch formation with Wayne Rooney able to drop deep.
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The report said England had aerial power, good passing and attacking full-backs.
But just one in four of their 107 crosses found their target and only France and Spain played fewer than the Three Lions’ 12 per cent of long passes.
England’s 59 per cent average possession was exceeded by only Germany (63) and Spain (61).
Uefa’s Team of the Tournament contains two Welshman, neither of them Gareth Bale. Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey were the duo, so it is hard to take any of it seriously.
Especially if we are expected to believe England were any good!