Henderson was one of the six players brought in by Roy Hodgson and the number of changes has been criticised in many quaters, including by the top brass at the FA, but the Liverpool midfielder feels it is not just about a starting XI in tournament football.
Advertisement
The display at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard also reaffirmed concerns about England’s cutting edge but the Southampton left-back does not see it like that.
“We will enjoy tonight, of course, but we’re not a country that’s been at tournament after tournament, semi-finals, finals”.
Hodgson has found himself in the spotlight after Monday’s frustrating goalless draw with Slovakia saw England pipped to top spot in Group B by Wales and end up in the same half of the draw as hosts France, holders Spain and world champions Germany. Slovakia have four points and a good chance to move on, but must wait to see if they are one of the four best thrid placed teams.
Coleman said the Euro 2016 should brace for a lot more from his side. The team, which earned only one point in a disappointing campaign, now will focus on hosting the World Cup in two years.
The Chelsea defender was asked if Hodgson’s changes to the team affected the side’s tempo against Slovakia, to which Cahill replied: “I don’t think so”.
Russia, which needed to win the match to have any chance of progressing, took a more attacking posture at the Stadium de Toulouse.
Bale was outstanding in running at a Russian defence that allowed far too space to him and Ramsey, and also in breaking in support of Sam Vokes, the surprise selection in attack in place of Hal Robson-Kanu. And counterattack it did, with all its goals coming from crisp movement and deft passing.
Ramsey scored Wales’ opening goal in the 11th minute when he beat the offside trap, ran onto a through ball from Joe Allen and lifted it over the onrushing goalkeeper.
The most probable opponent, going on form shown in the tournament so far, would be the holders Spain who are likely to face either Belgium, Portugal or even Wales in the semi-final. “We are disappointed, with the amount of possession we had we should have won the game”, he added.
Welsh supporters sang with passion throughout the game, notably their national anthem, and turned the stadium sea of red.
Advertisement
Hodgson was always going to receive criticism if his team failed to win after putting six of his best players, including his captain and lead striker, to the bench.
