Euro 2016 Recap: England Vs Russia

Fulltime: England 1-1 Russia

Dier (ENG) 73'
Berezutski (RUS) 90+2'

England arrived at this Euro 2016 tournament as outside favourites. I see them as the darkhorse of the competition in my preview. They have a line-up that can stand man-for-man with that of Belgium's. But getting them to function as a cohesive unit is another thing. Standing first between them and glory is a robust group from Russia. It was a match that lived to the most expectations and predictions of many pundits. Except for the ending.

One-Sided Half

The Three Lions dominated early with crisp passing and crosses. Adam Lallana looked lively in front connecting easily with Kyle Walker. Russian goalkeeper, Igor Akinfeev had to be called several times to save attempts from Lallana, and a header from Chris Smalling. Curiously, the top scorer in the English Premiere League was assigned to take the corners. English captain Wayne Rooney looked very sharp and comfortable in his new role as the cog in midfield. An adjustment he had to make while playing for Louis Van Gaal at Manchester United. No big deal for him there, as he tormented the defense with his long balls to Walker and Delle Alli. But with their superiority, they couldn't break though the opponent.

On the other hand, Sbornaya struggled to get their offensive game started. They found it difficult to breakdown the backline manned efficiently by Smalling and Gary Cahill. Their lone attempt on target was from a set-piece that was headed straight to the hands of Joe Hart. England was also tearing at the Russina defense, creating chance after chance. It was a lopsided affair from a certain perspective. Aleksander Kokorin, Aleksandr Golovin, and Fedor Smolov provided the limited positive points. But there was always a chance of something going wrong. This was after all high-level football. Anything can happen! I intuitively tweeted the feeling in my live score update on Twitter.

Dramatic End

You would have thought the Russians were given some magic potion in the dugout. They came out swinging in the second, and caused the English some problems. The intent was there, but there was still a scarcity in chances at goal. England continued their attack with Lallana, Rooney, and Raheem Sterling all missing chances. Credit again to Akinfeev. It seemed only a well-taken set-piece could beat the keeper. And it came in the 73rd minute. A carefully orchestrated freekick by Harry Kane and Eric Dier put Akinfeev off his rhythm, and allowed Dier guide the ball towards the back of the net.

The next quarter-of-an-hour saw most of the same. Russia didn't really threaten the English defense. But, their own stood firm and thwarted everything the men from across the channel could throw at them.

But then, two minutes into the three added in the half, it happened. After successfully defending a corner, the English wall fell to chaos. It allowed captain, Vasili Berezutski to send a looping header over Danny Rose and Hart to score an equalizer. That was the last play of the match. Heartbreak!

The Bad Tackle

England looked vulnerable in set-pieces. the single attempt by the Russians in the 1st half came from a freekick. The equalizer came from a mad scramble after a corner. Roy Hodgson needs to organize the positions in situations like those. It is also a puzzle why a natural scorer like Kane was relegated to taking corners. The Tottenham star is a complete striker who can score all types of goals with both feet and head. Rooney looked steady in the middle. Smalling is a stonewall at the back. Although, he needs to cut down on the grabbing and shirt-pulling he's accustomed to. Nicola Rizzoli, an Italian referee might have been forgiving. But, that won't always be the case in other matches. Rose and Walker were excellent wingers. They should link-up better with the three other Spurs in front. Wales and Slovakia came up with impact players from the bench in their match. Unfortunately for England, Hodgson could not replicate their feat; even with the incredible talent available to him.

Russia was a disappointing mess in this match. They didn't really create much to make an impression on their next opponents. They have a very physically gifted bunch, who can rough it up with anyone. Their persistence is also an attribute they can build on. However, I don't see them overcoming Wales or Slovakia if they don't step-up and start playing positive football. This game already seemed like a lost cause from the opening whistle. But, in the end, they got lucky. Very lucky! In some cases, luck is all you really need.