Can England Do More?

Day 4 saw two very different matches, as Group D got underway. Ukraine came back to beat Sweden 2-1 thanks to two goals from legendary Ukranian striker Andriy Shevchenko.  It was a gripping, wide open, back and forth display as the two Group D underdogs put on a real show in Kiev.

Earlier though, France and England battled to a 1-1 draw to open the day.  After watching this match, it's obvious what Roy Hodgson's intentions are with this England side.  He doesn't care one bit about playing entertaining football, because this had to be the most boring match of the tournament thus far.  France saw the better possession and more attacking ambition throughout the game, and England were content to play ten men behind the ball at times.

Is Hodgson getting the most from his side?

While England will no doubt be satisfied with a point, is this the best they can do now?  I understand Wayne Rooney, the most influential attacker the English can boast, was not eligible to play.  However, are the rest of England's personnel that average, that they have to play in this "defend first" manner?  I'm starting to believe so. I'm beginning to side with the Alexi Lalas opinion that Roy Hodgson was wise to not open up play against a more talented French team, and was simply doing the best he could to "survive" with the players he has to work with.

It will be interesting to see the way England set up against a seemingly less talented Sweden team.  The English won't get their missing "savior",Wayne Rooney, back until the third group stage match, and it will take a more adventurous game plan to take the much needed three points against Sweden.