Red Devil's in England vs. Netherlands

This week was an international break for European club soccer as players left their clubs to represent their country.  Countries were either involved in World Cup qualifiers or friendlies either way all the games were extremely competitive because of national pride.  Manchester United players were involved in games representing different countries but for the most part they were representing England.  England had a friendly game with the Netherlands which was a big match for both to test themselves before the European Championship this summer.  Ultimately the Netherlands defeated England 3-2 in an exciting end to the game.  Man U was well represented in the England squad with Chris Smalling, Ashley Young, and Danny Welbeck all starting and Phil Jones making a second half appearance.  Wayne Rooney and Tom Cleverly had to pull out of the squad before the game due to injury.  Chris Smalling started at center back, a position he prefers to play, and played quite composed.  He was partnered with Chelsea defender Tim Cahill and in the first half did well to contain one of the world’s best strikers Robin Van Persie.  The second half saw Smalling pick up a nasty head injury that will almost certainly keep him out of this weekends clash against Tottenham.  Ashley Young floated from position to position throughout the game showing his versatility but was unable to really make a big impact because he wasn’t able to settle in to one spot.  Young delivered some dangerous crosses and tied the game 2-2 with a beautiful finish.  Young was played in the box and delicately chipped the ball over the goalie into the corner.  Danny Welbeck was handed his first international start and was handed the challenge of holding the striking line alone.  He didn’t see the ball too much but his work rate was amazing.  He was all over the place and held the ball well when he did see the ball.  Decent performance from Welbeck will be the first of many of starts for England.  Phil Jones came on half way through the half and put in a good performance.  Good going forward but defensively could have been better beaten too easily by Robben on one occasion.  Jones played the pass that led to Ashley Young’s goal.  His pass dissected the Dutch with the perfect weight just brilliant from Jones.  Sad to see England lose this game but hopefully Man U will change that tide and defeat Tottenham this Sunday. 

 

Ashley Young's goal