France and England exit to boost Arsenal preparation for next season

France got knocked out by Barcelona, sorry Spain as widely expected. What wasn't expected was how awful Les Bleus played. Spain hardly got into 2nd gear through the game. They were content to pass it around knowing full well the opposition were just flat.

Blanc made some questionable calls with his team selection, dropping Alou Diara and Nasri who had been fantastic for them. Probably because of the changing room burst-up between the duo after the Sweden loss. Debuchy, a right back by trade, was pushed up the right side of midfield - to keep Spain at bay  - but that didn't work so well as he allowed Jordi Alba a free run to set up Alonso at the far post. Clichy was in no man's land - as usual.

Benzema consistently gave away the ball and looked uninterested. Ribery, was his usual self - selfish. The French version of Arjen Robben. M'Vila looked tidy on the ball - nothing extraordinary. He has a good pass on him and sits quite deep. His discipline will be an asset if Wenger presses ahead with a bid as expected.
Koscielny didn't look out of place on the international stage. He chipped in with a couple of tackles and blocks. Kept Torres quiet when he came on.

I was really glad France got beat - for selfish reasons. Arsene Wenger can now conclude the signing of Giroud and possibly Yann 'the man' M'Vila.

The England vs Italy game was lively for 25 minutes, before it became a one way traffic. It was the Andrea Pirlo show. The legendary schemer played with such elegance and poise that was a joy to behold. Play-making from deep has been made an art by Pirlo.

England were poor and lethargic. It's shocking when top Premier League players can't string ten passes together. Luck can only take you so far in a tournament. England were found out at last. They kept a solid shape and played on the counter. Italy could  have scored at least three in normal time were it not for Mario Balloteli's wastefulness. De Rossi did hit the post with a delicious left-footed volley.

Gunner Power

Penalties are a game for the strong spirited and i wasn't surprised England lost. Roy Hodgson can now build for the future. But i don't see any future in this Three Lions team with the likes of Milner, Carrol, Parker and Henderson.                         

Hopefully, The Ox and Theo will be rested enough before the Arsenal pre-season tour of Asia. Looking forward to  some exciting Arsenal news in the new week.