LFC In Euro 2012 Watch: Carroll, Johnson & Gerrard v Sweden

AFTER an insipid performance against France in their opening match, England produced one of the best comebacks of this year’s Euro’s so far.

Trailing 2-1 down shortly after the break, the Three Lions fought back to clinch a 3-2 win.

This win means they have a chance to progress to the next round unless co-hosts Ukraine stage a shock upset.

After a great start by Andy Carroll whose goal gave England the lead in the 23rd minute, defensive lapses in second half allowed Sweden to crawl back into the game and take 2-1 lead within 15 minutes of the restart. However a great cameo from substitute Theo Walcott, who scored the equalizer in the 64th minute and also set up Danny Welbeck in the 78th minute to seal the win, ensured that English campaign did not come to an abrupt end.

Andy Carroll was given a chance to start and the regulars for England, Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson also started for England in the goal crazy encounter in Kiev.

Here is an analysis of how the Liverpool trio performed in the game.

Andy CARROLL

Andy Carroll has the ability to play as the lone central forward. His height, accuracy and stamina provide a constant threat to the opposition. The suspension of Wayne Rooney paved way for Carroll to win a spot in the first team and he did justice to his inclusion by netting a perfect goal from any centre forward’s point of view against Sweden. Andy Carroll led the line superbly for England against Sweden, becoming the biggest threat and the best option the Three Lions had to build up the play.

His header for the opening goal was nothing short of magnificent; his off the ball movement, strength to hold off the defender and leap to reach the ball were all exceptional. Carroll worked hard, looked confident, linked well with Danny Welbeck and defended resolutely too. He had a great game and shone all over the pitch. A great debut for the striker, whose inclusion in the national squad created a ruckus in the English press.

Player rating: 8/10

Glen JOHNSON

Glen Johnson had a mixed game for England against Sweden. He was unfortunate to be credited with an own goal for Sweden’s equalizer, he however could have done a better job in Sweden’s second goal. He had some moment where he was in a poor position to defend but the Liverpool right-back did a reasonably well in the match overall.

Covering through the centre, stopping easy crosses coming in from the right and supporting well in attack; Johnson had a decent game for England. Sweden are by no means a poor side and the England right-back put in a fine performance to keep Zlatan Ibrahimovic at bay for most of the game; if not Ibrahimovic could have had 2-3 goals to his name. His tackling and reading of the game were both exemplary. There were shaky moments for the Liverpool fullback; he however had a fairly good game in a row for the Three Lions.

Player rating: 7/10
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Steven GERRARD

Tackling, passing, retaining possession, breaking down Sweden attacks, leading from the front; Steven Gerrard was an inspiration and an example for England throughout the game. A bit unlucky not to score with an effort late to seal the game, Gerrard was always willing to break forward and assist in attack without negating his defensive responsibilities. He dominated Kim Kallstrom in the centre of midfield and made the position his own. He was prepared to push forward far more than against France, and England’s build-up play benefited as a result.

His cross for Andy Carroll’s goal, Gerrard’s second assist in two games, was close to perfection. Steven Gerrard personifies what an England captain should be. He leads by example, he drives the team forward and he creates goal opportunities for his team-mates.

After spending most of his international career at the left or right-hand side of the pitch in the England shirt, because of the presence of Frank Lampard, Gerrard has finally been deployed at the centre of the park. That’s where he’s best at; he affects the game, gets his foot on the ball, sprays passes and brings the wide players and strikers into the match. We’ve seen that already at Euro 2012.

If England are to progress to the semi-finals or beyond, while others might get the headlines for goals, Steven Gerrard will be the driving force behind any success that England have over the next few weeks. Another game and another good performance from the captain.

Player rating: 9/10

Thanks for reading. You can find me on Twitter @LEONGUI7E

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