England was all defense (with the two chains of four often perfectly aligned...) while France looked like practising passes in thich defense, but without much motion and intent for scoring. IMHO both teams were betting on defeating the other two in the group, which I think was foolish, seeing how hungry and enthusiastic both Sweden and the Ukraine were.

Speaking of Ukraine-Sweden, thanks to that enthusiasm and attacking play on both sides, IMO it was the most entertaining match so far (Russia-Czech Republic was too one-sided). Old Shevchenko was cured just in time to erect his own memorial – that super-precise second header between the goalpost and the defender guarding it was beautiful (even if Ibrahimović, who was standing next to Shevchenko at the corner shot, forgot to mark him). Then again, Shevchenko shining has the implication that the younger players just aren't worth much. Though the two guys who prepared Shevchenko's two goals (Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka), both 22, could turn into something. There is a next generation problem on Sweden's side, too, with the second oldest layer (Alexandersson) having been the most active.

BTW, Helen can 'look forward' to a match-up of 4-4-2s in the England-Ukraine match.

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}