This is the thing about England squads, and I think the same thing every world cup to some extent, I have never consciously seen an England team who when they have possession assume their positions and pass the ball around and move upfield as a team, keeping possession, stringing together passes and waiting for that moment to either get a cross in or make a dash in. Instead what England tend to do is hoof it up the field and run maniacally up field in some improvised way or other.
On this occasion that resulted in a goal, Rooney connecting with Sturridge, but its a risky way of playing and one that requires a fair bit of luck - it was a skillful goal, brilliant ball by Rooney, but one that easily could've gone wrong.
It makes for a more exciting watch, but the teams that win world cups are capable of playing this holding style of football. And thats also a difference between other leagues, especially Italian football. which seems to be full of one touch holding play. Brazillian league football too from what little Ive seen. Its less interesting to watch to those used to English leagues, but its a disciple English players don't seem to have much.
My impression is that yesterday England essentially charged around the pitch giving it their all, producing some good chances all things considered, which produced some chances thank to the unique skill of Sturridge above all else...there were a couple of moments of proper possessive play, but when England do it it feels like they are really trying to do something they know they ought to do, rather than slipping into a comfortable part of their game
