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| Wednesday, 16 October, 2002, 21:12 GMT 22:12 UK Seaman's last stand
What chance is there for a goalkeeper who can't move his feet? You can forgive David Seaman once perhaps, but not twice.
He's been a great servant for England, but I would be surprised to see him in an international shirt again. His mobility has simply disappeared and his inability to protect his own net in Southampton on Wednesday was all too similar to his error against Brazil in the World Cup. Defending a set piece should be routine for any goalkeeper and when you think that the European Championships are still two years away, the only conclusion is that he has got to go. He's already 39 and it is undoubtedly time for someone else to relieve him of what has become a heavy burden. The problem is that no-one is really pushing him. Not Paul Robinson, and not even David James. Elsewhere, it wasn't exactly a platinum performance from England. Let's be honest, the Macedonian defence was all over the place - so much so that if the first half was played again I would'nt be surprised if England had gone into the break 5-0 up. But of course they didn't and you have to hand it to the east Europeans - a draw is a great result for them. Not so for England. To draw 2-2 at home against a side like Macedonia is dismal, to say the least.
Tactically, I think Sven-Goran Eriksson could have done more and England looked congested up front the longer the game went on. On the positive side, both David Beckham's and Steven Gerrard's goals were superb. And there were numerous chances that could have been taken. I don't feel any sympathy for Alan Smith. His second challenge was clumsy, particularly since he had already picked up a deserved yellow card. His chequered disciplinary record continues and Sven certainly won't be patting him on the back. All in all, a dark night for English football. Perhaps it's just as well there isn't another game for four months. |
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