England's Peter Crouch (left) celebrates with Joe Cole after scoring his second goal during their international friendly soccer match against Jamaica at Old Trafford on Saturday. - REUTERS
JAMAICA'S SENIOR FOOTBALLERS ended a disastrous two-match tour of England over the weekend, losing big, first to Ghana and then England. Below are the grades for the tests against two World Cup-bound teams:
GOALKEEPER: While captain Donovan Ricketts struggled in the first match, except for a wild challenge way out of his net on Michael Owen's breakaway, he could hardly be blamed for the flood of goals against England. Yet, with his height, more command in the penalty box is expected, along with better technique handling straight-forward balls. Conceding six goals in 90 minutes is a lot, especially after giving up four less than a week before.
GRADE D
DEFENCE: It is tricky to praise this unit after 10 goals conceded in two games, but Omar Daley, Damion Stewart, Claude Davis and Garfield Reid, stuck to the task well against England. Daley's reliance on the same predictable dribbling moves and his occasional, rash challenges must be addressed. Reid's shooting consistency must also improve, along with the tactical awareness of Davis and Stewart. All worked hard, especially against the special challenge of 6' 7" Peter Crouch, the unpredictable Owen, and set plays engineered by David Beckham. Still, four at the back continues to expose Jamaica against quality attackers. The players now available cannot, by themselves, cope against thinking, quick-moving and skilful teams, especially with the poor support they get from midfield.
GRADE D
MIDFIELD: Quick and confident Jamal Campbell-Ryce was the lone bright spot over two games, fearlessly attacking both Ghana and England. Jason Euell improved after a sub-par first game, while Jermaine Hue showed against England what professional maturity can do when matched with special talent. Defensively, this unit is poor. The biggest concern is the central role where Jamaica appear lost for answers. Too passive Khari Stephenson did not command respect against Ghana and lost his place against England. Replacement Jermaine Taylor was ineffective and gone by halftime. The marking is way too loose and toughness, tactical discipline and overall composure with the ball are sorely lacking.
GRADE E
FORWARDS: Marlon King's dismissal hurt Jamaica against England as solid goal scoring chances were squandered. One goal in two games is below par. Speed alone will not help Luton Shelton much at this level. Ricardo Fuller showed flashes of what he can do with a super first-half effort that left Frank Lampard for dead, but his shot just missed. Teafore Bennett could use more time on the field and, at this point, so too Deon Burton. But, generally, this unit suffers from poor passing service. Way too many balls came in high against England's big and powerful central defenders. That will not do.
GRADE D
COACHING/ADMINISTRATION: At least Jamaica got to Old Trafford early on Saturday. No one realistically expected the Boyz to win against England, but questions must be raised about team selection and overall strategy. The 4-4-2 formation does not work with the quality available. Also, if Campbell-Ryce's pace and guile were causing so many problems for England, why wasn't Jermaine Johnson, who has succeeded against players of England's level with similar skills, joining the attack earlier? The troubles in midfield against Ghana were not adequately addressed versus England, although half-time adjustments eased the pressure slightly. With the King disciplinary embarrassment added to the on-the-field woes, it's soul-searching time for Jamaica's leadership.
GRADE E.
- Gordon Williams
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