Euro 2012: England were outnumbered in midfield - Jamie Redknapp

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comments

I want to pick out the work rate of Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker, although I worry they had too much ground to cover.

It's hard to play with two central midfielders in international football when most rivals, like France, play with three.

France are a good team but not outstanding and the workload for these two England midfielders was too great.

Grafters: England's two in the middle had to do the work of three men

 

That was a hard game for the pair, not because of a lack of fitness or because of a long season but because they were outnumbered.

I wonder if Roy Hodgson will change it if England go deeper into the competition or at least get one of the forwards to lend more of a hand and drop back.

Great Scott: Parker was replaced late in the game by Jordan Henderson

He can be Ox-ceptional

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can be a real weapon for England. I was a little frustrated with his contribution because there is so much more he can give.

He had a 'nearly' game, almost wriggling clear a couple of times. The Ox can be an outlet for England, turning defence into attack and giving the defenders a breather by drawing a free-kick or a winning a throw.

I like him a lot.

Ox-ceptional: The young Arsenal star showed moments of real class

Not so clever

France are over-rated. I was a bit disappointed with them. How many of their players would get into the England team?

And I just wonder if, over breakfast this morning, England's players might consider this a missed opportunity.

Allez! France didn't live up to the pre-tournament hype

  More... The Capello Index: Fabio rates Young as England's worst player against France Hodgson makes a case for the defence but England boss refuses to criticise ref Rizzoli Click here for the latest European Championship news, tables, fixtures and results