England must be bold, not boring

PICTURE: AP

The unbearable optimism of the Three Lions supporters is rising once more after England downed Norway 1-0 in a friendly match last Saturday.

New manager Roy Hodgson cannot be faulted for seeking to maximise his available resources, but the stiff, rigid system used against Norway is not only bypassed by superior, fluid opposition, it also has a tendency to be as dull as dishwater.

The Three Lions were difficult to beat; the obvious prerequisite for any new coach taking charge of his first game.

But using more of Ashley Young and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain during Euro 2012 will inject more pace and invention in an England team devoid of attacking sting.

Putting pace ahead of prudence, fluid football ahead of functional banks of four and potential over predictability may or may not bring about success next month.