Irish contingent sunk by Lukaku double in Bordeaux

, 18 June, 109comments  |  Jump to most recent
Belgium 3 - 0 Ireland
Ian Walton/Getty Images

Romelu Lukaku scored a brace for Belgium as the Red Devils' Euro2016 campaign came to life with a 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.

The Everton striker atoned for his poor performance in the opener against Italy by opening his account in the tournament with two second-half strikes, the first of which broke the deadlock after a goalless first period three minutes into the second half.

His Goodison team-mate James McCarthy missed a crucial tackle on Kevin de Bruyne in midfield allowing the Manchester City midfielder to burst down the flank and feed Lukaku who swept home impressively from outside the box.

Axel Witsel doubled the lead later in the half as Belgium carved the Irish open again and the Zenit St Petersburg man powered home a cross from right wing with his head.

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And Lukaku made it three with a simple finish when Ireland were caught out-numbered at the back on a counter-attack, Eden Hazard rolling it to him in front of goal where he had time to take a touch and slot past Darren Randolph.

McCarthy, who struggled in the Republic's first game against Sweden, was hooked midway through the second half and Aiden McGeady came on as a substitute in the last quarter hour but he couldn't help his side cut the deficit with goal difference in mind. Seamus Coleman played the full 90 minutes.

Ireland now need to beat Italy if they hope to qualify for the knockout stages while a draw for Belgium against the Swedes would probably be enough to send them through.

Lukaku's goal mean makes him the first Belgian to score twice in a major tournament match since current boss Marc Wilmots managed to do so against Mexico at the 1998 World Cup.

 

Reader Comments (109)

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Ben Dyke
1 Posted 18/06/2016 at 14:13:22
Come on the Irish!
Christopher Dover
3 Posted 18/06/2016 at 15:25:32
Lukaku scored might help his value, but three options, stay and improve, move for big money, join Spanish police on point duty as he has plenty of practice waving his arms :)
Michael Polley
4 Posted 18/06/2016 at 15:28:07
Two goals for Lukaku – that's increased his price tag a wee bit...
Roger Helm
5 Posted 18/06/2016 at 15:30:02
Lukaku doesn't like us and doesn't want to play for us so all these goals he is scoring is money in the bank for us. Surely £50 million minimum now.
Pablo Brown
6 Posted 18/06/2016 at 15:33:21
If we can get out money back, I'd sell McCarthy. He's been crap for 2 seasons now.
Laura Round
7 Posted 18/06/2016 at 15:33:27
That pointing drives me crazy! I'm cheering on Ireland. Coleman is a gent who plays with commitment for us. It's got to the point I can't even feel proud to call Rom ours. I really won't be sad if he goes if a good replacement is found. Cash in and let him go as he wishes.
Tony Hill
8 Posted 18/06/2016 at 15:46:24
Lukaku has been very good not only in scoring but in his all round game. Can't only be good news for us. Hope ROI can do something against Italy but they've been poor in truth. Macca was weak, decent enough from Coleman.
Damian Wilde
9 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:00:56
McCarthy is crap. If I managed another side, I wouldn't pay five million for him. 13 is a joke, another Roberto boob.

As for that knob Lukaku, his goals will have added to his price, so good stuff.

Jim Hardin
10 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:01:05
Jesus, some people are beyond help on this site. The negativity towards a player who actually produces, unlike the drooling and fawning over some on our squad who are apparently so full of potential it just drips from them, despite their failure to produce on the pitch, is unreal.

For example, when did Lukaku ever say he didn't like Everton? What players have claimed he is a bad influence or negative? Stop making things up. He said he wanted to play in CL. Wow, what a bastard! Have some ambition as a fan and quit whining about players who have ambitions Everton apparently doesn't (Moshiri may change this). Hibbo and Osman loved the club so should we be keeping them instead?

As for the waving, Belgium is a club of factions and several of the players will not play for the team (Lukaku is not one of those as he is laying the ball off and showing for passes to everyone coming forward) or each other. There are certain groups of players will not pass the ball to others and will not make runs for others. For example, Whitsel and Carrasco will not pass the ball to Lukaku. Hazard and deBruyne will and they score.

Have watched Lukaku making himself available and making good runs for no reward. He has held the ball up and on his two goals, his first touch on each put the ball perfectly to a spot to step into the ball to score. FFS, Whitsel blasted a shot well over from about 25 yards out, when Lukaku was in front of him to the side and on the last defender, pointing for a simple ball to be played through for him to run onto.

Try being happy for a striker who can score goals. Hopefully, Koeman is watching and learning how to use Rom properly.

Andy Walker
11 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:05:31
'I think some of you lot need to vet your hero's a bit better. Please just get him sold before he's worth a fraction of his inflated price.'

This is a quote from a TW contributor after Belgium's previous game.

Lukaku has always blown hot and cold, but there's no question he's very talented. Taking an absolute view either way that he's shite or brilliant is way to simplistic.

It must be quite cathartic though for some fans who feel so upset by Lukaku saying he wants to leave, to lash out at him in a narrative sense.

Jakub Kollar
12 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:07:28
Totally agree with Jim (#10). Too many people make things up and take Everton as a reality show.

He wants to play Champions League... let's make this come true in the royal blue!

Damian Wilde
13 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:16:07
Jim, get off your soap box, you miss the point. I have no issue that he wants to leave, none at all. What I do object to is that he constantly talks about leaving and what club he might play for, just openly chatting in the press (fact, not 'made up' like you claim). Say nothing and do it behind closed doors. Rember when Arteta left? No fans had an issue from him. Why? Because he went about it in a graceful manner. We don't mind players leaving, but it's the manner in hiw they do it, which matters (as we saw with Rooney, who did it badly).

You mention being happy for him. Why? I'm not from Belguim. I barely care about the England side, why would I care about Belguim?

He did well for Everton last year, apart from costing us a place in the cup final znd giving up during his last 10 games, I wasn't 'happy ' then.

PS Please don't blaspheme ir you will be 'beyond help'.

Patrick Murphy
14 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:20:27
I'm a critic of Lukaku and have been for almost his entire Everton career, however, unless we can bring in an equally efficient goalscorer, all the money in the world shouldn't see him playing for anybody else but Everton.

I imagine those who enjoy such things, would be moaning if he had not have been purchased and had have been banging in the goals elsewhere for the past 2 years. A good manager can accommodate his short-comings if he is scoring on a regular basis, hopefully, we now have that manager in place at Goodison.

Stones gets stick for not doing his primary job but is lauded for his footballing skills, Lukaku gets stick for not having the ability but he doesn't always get the praise for doing his primary job - strange game football isn't it?

If we want to see Everton as a top club, we have to keep our top talent and those two players, albeit with issues to overcome are certainly top talent.

Mike Allison
15 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:23:40
Lukaku didn't cost us a place in the Cup Final. Ridiculous, simplistic thing to say to fit an emotionally driven narrative. You give yourself away sir.
Maynard Hanna
16 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:28:16
Well Lukaku turned up for the party in Bordeaux. And anyone who ever thought that McCarthy was a Premier League player should take a look at his marking and decision making contribution for RoI in today's game vs Belgium. Witsel looked a more than half decent player, but then again it was McCarthy that he was up against.

I listened to RK yesterday at his press conference and I liked what I heard. As regards players at the club, I am confident that he will sort all matters out to Everton's satisfaction in the coming days. And of course I'm looking forward to the new RK signings as well.

John Austin
17 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:30:08
I have never doubted Lukaku's ability. Nor do I blame him for wanting to play at the highest level. I do however criticise his professionalism and commitment to EFC as his employer. His touting for a move in public is disrespectful to the club and us as fans. His commitment in the 2nd half of the season was questionnable to say the least. If RK can sort it, great. If not, sell to the highest bidder.
Andy Walker
18 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:33:57
Damien, do you think the comment 'As for that knob Lukaku' is anything other than a personal insult?

What exactly is the point of that comment? Was it driven by you being so upset by Lukaku wanting to leave us that you just threw your toys out of the pram, but it made you feel better. Or dare I say, is it hatred for the man? I suspect not but have to ask, or is it a bit of teenage style banter?

Andy Crooks
19 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:34:03
Good post, Jim Hardin. Lukaku was excellent today. He comes out with some ill advised remarks but many footballers do. I hope we keep him and he plays champions league football with us.
Patrick Carty
20 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:34:43
McCarthy had a very poor game again and it's time to ship him out.
Mark Frere
21 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:35:56
I'm getting a little sick of all the abuse McCarthy is receiving on many of the threads. Some people have a very short memory, James was excellent for us in his first season here. It's fair to say he's lost his way a little this last year or so... but he has had lots of niggling injuries and virtually all our players were underperforming last season under the Martinez regime.

If you're expecting lots of creative passing from James then forget it - he's not that kind of player. What he is, is a very good water carrier; it's specialist role in a team and McCarthy is very good at it, in the same way the likes of Mascharano, David Batty, Nicky Butt were/are good at playing the same role.

I don't think it helps McCarthy when he is partnered with Barry in midfield because both players are defence minded which results in lack of penetration. I think if Koeman gives McCarthy a set job to do, like Moyes did with Lee Carsley, partnered with a more creative midfielder, then we will reap the rewards.

Andy Walker
22 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:37:31
John good point well made mate. The antithesis of Damien.

I think Lukaku's badly advised to keep spouting off in the press, but then he's advised by family and I suspect this is the main problem.

Maybe Koeman can talk some sense into him, but I suspect he'll be in his way, sadly.

Mike Green
23 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:42:58
I agree with Damian and John, I just don't think his hearts in it with us anymore. Looks like Rom has wandered into the world of 'polarised opinion' if nothing else. Oh well, I guess Ron gets £7m p.a. to worry about it not us.
Anto Byrne
24 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:47:36
No player is bigger than Everton. If Rom stays, all the better; if he goes, show me the money. Maybe Ronnie will get him to stay another season; maybe he won't.

Every goal he scores just adds to his value. Let's see who wants him badly enough to pay the £60 or 70 million... Lots of takers???

Damian Wilde
25 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:52:59
Andi Walker, bit of waffle there. I'm annoyed by his disrespect towards Everton and the fans, that good enough for you?

Most of the time, we go about our lives being polite, ethical, and professional in work and social circles. But we're all human and sometimes you just fancy calling someone a 'knob' and I did. And I have no issue with or think there's anything wrong with that. If it upset you or others, if I'm honest, don't care.

I want good personalities as well as good players at the club.

Good finishing from Rom. McCarthy at fault for two goals, poor.

Keith Monaghan
26 Posted 18/06/2016 at 16:54:22
Mark @ 21.
With all due respect, look at what McCarthy does on the pitch.
Yes, he was very good in his first 2 seasons with us, but in the last 2 he's been very poor. Has become totally ineffective and offers nothing going forward and very little defensively.
He's of very limited ability and at best a mediocre championship player, and is part of the reason why our build-up is so slow and unimaginative, like Belgium's against Italy and in the 1st half today.

Contrast that with Lukaku's contribution - in spite of his limitations, he scores goals - look at his Premier League scoring record. Given decent service (unlike a lot of what he got last season and in his first game & a half in the Euros for Belgium) he'll score goals - unlike Macca, he'll be very hard to replace.

Dave Pritchard
27 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:00:59
Classic Rom. Garbage in the first game then hits a beauty and bags a second in the next game. For me these goals are good for us whichever way it goes. If he stays (and makes an effort) we know that he will score plenty for us. If we sell the fee will likely be bigger the better he performs in this tournament. My view, for what it is worth, is to keep him but only if he is prepared to do his best.
Tony Hill
28 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:03:07
I agree with Mark Frere to a large extent but McCarthy needs to come good again this next season. He's one of a number in that situation.
Mark Fitzgerald
29 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:08:33
Gutted with the result but have to admit that Belgium were far better than us today. No complaints.
As for individuals: Rom, we saw a lot of the good side of the big man today. First goal was a terrific finish. Hope Koeman convinces him to stay. If not, then this showing will garner us a big transfer fee. Seamus had a solid enough game. as is his norm.
Macca, worked his socks off as usual. But a number of expensive errors, skinned by DeBruyne and rooted to the spot and guilty of ball watching when his man headed in the second goal.
Witsel, seeing as we are linked to him. Big athletic box to box CM, I like the look of him.
Their RB Meunier caught the eye. Tall, composed and got forward a lot. Bargain buy there mister Koeman.
Laura Round
30 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:09:13
For me personally it's not just the performances on the pitch that contribute towards my feelings towards Rom, which I feel entitled to as spend a lot of hard earned cash supporting the team. ( I have 3 young boys, two with season tickets.) My sons often like to line up and see the players parade. Some members of the squad spend loads of time chatting and taking photos with the fans every single week. It makes the experience very personal for my lads which is why Everton has become very special to us. It's OUR club. Some however look like they'd rather be somewhere else. I understand players come and go. I just don't want to be made to feel like second best while they're on the payroll. I believe the comments Rom has made have been disrespectful and not 'made up'. Of course they maybe open to interpretation. Call me negative but I'm untitled to my opinion. It's a forum for goodness sake!
John Austin
31 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:12:25
My gut instinct is that RK will get the best out of the players, including McCarthy. But their best may still not be good enough for him and some will be moved on and replaced. We'll wait and see if McCarthy falls into that category.
Mark Frere
32 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:14:35
Kieth, I did say he's lost his way the last year or so. That's the same criticism that can be aimed at many of our players. I see no reason why he can't get back to the same level he was at the when he first joined, with a good fitness regime and good coaching. He is a very limited footballer, technical skill wise, but that doesn't mean he can't be an effective part of the team. Football is all about balance, Didier Deschamps played for the best team in the world for club ( Juventus) and country (France) but he was very limited skill wise. He was very important for club and country because he added balance to the team.
Jim Hardin
33 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:17:18
Damian,
I apologize if I have offended you. However, maybe it was a half prayer for the great unwashed TWs on here who are clearly in need of some sort of divine guidance, or common sense.

As for being happy for Rom, why not? He is an Everton player and did well. Guess I don't understand the point since I also was rooting for Coleman and McCarthy to do well too. I am not a huge McCarthy fan but he is ill-treated on here too. He is what he is which is a C+ to a B- player. Yes, he committed to a tackle wide and missed but where were the other Irish players to fill the middle on Lukaku's first goal? Belgium has multiple talented midfielders so I thought McCarthy did okay. Never expected him to go charging forward so I am not slating him for lack of offensive production.

Damian Wilde
34 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:19:18
Good post Laura and I agree with your posts. Out of interest is Rom one of tge players who look disintetested? I imagine tge likes of Baines & Coleman are fairly good.

At away games, players who give a token clap and get off quickly, annoy me, it's lazy.

John Austin
35 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:24:31
Agree with you 100% Laura.
Darren Hind
36 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:27:39
Lukaku didnt cost us a place in the cup final ???????

Who was that who missed all those chances then ? Didnt half look like him.

Lukaku is flawed, pure and simple, he shows worrying Adebayor type characteristics. he spends too much time doing fuck all and he usually does it when he is up against the better defenders.

Top strikers do it in the big matches against top defenders.

Not sure why we have so many will he / wont he threads. We didn't have any opposition for his signature and we have not received any offers for him. Yes the lesser teams will queue up to sign him or take him, but 65m ? you really have to be having a laugh.

The top teams want a top player for that kind of money

Laura Round
37 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:31:36
Thanks John 35. At times Rom had been like a god to my eldest son. A little gem in our team to rave about and be proud of. Feel let down but the whole saga. If he stays I will of course be behind him. I'm not a moaner, actually the eternal optimist! Hey, we must all be deep down!!
Jay Harris
38 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:34:47
As I understand it McCarthy is playing with a minor injury which restricts him from giving 110%. It was obvious when McClean came on why McCarthy was asked to play.

The Belgium team is probably worth over 0.5m so we have to put that into context too.

I also felt the referee was very one sided toward Belgium and should have awarded Ireland a penalty for dangerous kicking in the build up to the first goal.

As for Lukaku he took both his goals very well and linked up well today but was utter shite against Italy.

He is obviously not committed to Everton as he is giving the likes of Juventus and PSG major praise to the detriment of EFC so no matter how much you rate or don't rate his ability he has already gone in the minds of many supporters so we should be thinking who we can get to replace him not arguing over whether he is a good or bad player..

Seamus had another solid if unspectacular game and shows the kind of committment RK will be looking for.

Darren Hind
39 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:38:53
If the ref gives Ireland the clear penalty, Belgium don't go down the other end and score. Would have been a different game then.

Shocking decision

Sam Hoare
40 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:41:14
Lukaku is one of the best goal scorers in Europe. He may be a twat but he's our twat and if you want him gone then you are putting something other than the teams success first. He's possibly our most effective player.

I've never loved McCarthy. He was very solid in his first season rather than excellent. Irrelevant of his attacking prowess he very rarely if ever dominates matches in the way we saw the likes of Kante or Dier do last season. He's certainly not in the same league as Deschamps who was a supremely intelligent reader of the game. McCarthy was a mid-table player we hoped would develop and improve. He hasn't and whilst we have many bigger issues I would not be sad to see him go.

Paul Thompson
41 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:42:18
Lukaku is 'flawed' (Darren #36). Yes he is (and he talks too much). But in spite of the negatives his goalscoring record is up there with the best. LIke a lot of strikers he is a confidence player and these goals will have done wonders.

Darren 'the lesser clubs will queue up to sign him'. Frankly that is nonsense. If he leaves it will probbaly be to that minnow PSG. Either way, Rom scoring goals at the Euros is good news for us.

Oliver Molloy
42 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:49:49
Lukaku.....
the facts today are he played against a fairly shite team and if this had been Belgiums first match other than Italy the result would have been the same.

I keep saying and will say it again - when he comes up against good defenders he goes missing time and time again.

The Irish defenders O'Shea and Clark today were just pure shite.
James McCarthy in my opinion will never fulfill the potential that many believed he has and I would bet our new manager will make his mind up about McCarthy very quickly.

Darren Hind
43 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:52:56
What is nonsense Paul @41

Is your suggestion that one of the top clubs will come for Lukaku, They havent, They are'nt, They wont.

If he insist on going, it will be too a lesser team and for considerably less than the 65m laughingly quoted on here.

I believe he will stay. . . due to lack of interest

David Barks
44 Posted 18/06/2016 at 17:58:42
That "shite" player Lukaku has scored more goals and had more shots than Ibrahimovic. We should do all we can to keep him and build a team aroun him.
Olalekan Taofik
45 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:01:10
Rom did well scoring a brace, but I am sure he would have missed 10 clear chances. He needed to score against Italy to show class.

Lukaku has improved but needs another season to be a near perfect finisher. Rom should see reasons why he needs to stay.

Daniel A Johnson
46 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:05:29
This match for me highlights how limited and useless McCarthy is. Hes gobby, arrogant and lacking in ability.

With him and Barry no wonder our midfield lacked creativity.

He must be moved on by Koeman hes far too limited to start in such a crucial midfield position for us.

No creative flair and even for what hes supposed to do in midfield other players can do it much better.


Barrie Abbott
47 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:09:10
Lukaku can be a right div but he's guaranteed 20+ goals a season. He's 23, ambitious and his dad's a bell.

Not sure if bridges burned yet, but not many strikers can score the goals he can. And not many can have the first touch of a wardrobe.

Just like Brexit, I'm undecided on him and his future.

Mark Frere
48 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:13:47
Darren, it's not totally out of the question that PSG would pay £60 million plus for the services of Rom. Remember, this is the same club that paid £50 million for David Luiz - a defender that can't even defend properly, hence the reason he was played in midfield at Chelsea before they eventually got shut. Ibrahimovich has just left the club and they will need a new prolific goal-scorer.
Sam Hoare
49 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:17:39
Agreed Mark, especially if Rom gets a few more goals and Belgium do well at the Euros.
Jackie Barry
50 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:17:59
The other great strikers play against the so called crap teams as well. Lukaku's strike rate for all his failings is up there with the best, that's a fact. Yes I don't like his attitude but if we can keep him and make us of that goal scoring rate it surely benefits us. Koeman won't put up with my crap.
John Graham
51 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:18:44
Think a lot of the negetivity about Lukaku is because on his day he is almost unstoppable. Fans know he is a good player and are scared of losing him so they vent their anger with the abuse. I don't doubt the same fans would be cheering if he said he was staying. As Koeman has said he is not the finished article ( too bulky, first touch rubbish etc) but he is young.
So what if he wants CL. So what if he wants more money. For now he plays for us and if there is the slightest chance he will stay we should support him.
Rather not say what I think about McCarthy.
Neil Pickering
52 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:23:17
I agree with Oliver. Lukaku is a flat track bully who gets boxed off very easily when playing against good defenders. He's been spouting off about June, be he's blown that now as their defenders will have seen up close how poor technically he is, so that move is out for him.

Chelsea won't have him as Conte, like his italian back 4 will have seen how shit his touch is. So that's out.

Jose sold him as probably saw he wasn't ever going to be top drawer. So Utd is out.

Only team that may move for him would be PSG. He would probably get a hateful in France as barring 2 or 3 teams it's Shite. They could stump up the 50 odd mil we would command as well.

If not he will have to stay with us. Personally if we have as much ambition as is being made out I'd buy 2 new strikers and use him as an impact sub next season.

Alan Bodell
53 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:25:52
Oliver Molloy #42. you nailed it mate and saved me the same post.
Just so happy the lazy disrespectful twat has put some value on which was rapidly for dropping in the last 6 months.
Dave Abrahams
54 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:35:26
Whether Lukaku is good bad or indifferent he will leave Everton in the summer because he wants to, so the more goals he scores in these Internationals the better for Everton, so keep scoring lad. There will be no screams from me when he goes.
Colin Glassar
55 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:38:24
No need to share my opinion of Rom. His goalscoring record speaks for itself and that's, undeniable.
Brent Stephens
56 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:52:05
Jackie #50, pretty well sums it up for me (his attitude is not the best but we pay him to score goals and his goal tally is very good).

"Koeman won't put up with my crap." I don't think you're crap, Jackie! I guess that was meant to be"any"!

John Graham
57 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:52:21
Maybe we can sell Rom and then get Victor back to play with Kone and Naissie maybe that will suit the moaners because none of that three have any ambition or would want to leave even if we were in the championship
Jim Lloyd
58 Posted 18/06/2016 at 18:54:57
Well, first of all, I think we've now now got a manager who can make big decisions. He'll sit down with our best players and then make his mind up about whether they have their heart in playing for the club, or not. And he'll decide whether he wants them or not.

It seems the majority of the team gave up the ghost for the last couple of months and I could well understand Lukaku saying "F this for a game of soldiers, I'm off, A.S.A.P." His whole body language just shouted that he wanted to leave a ship that he saw as rudderless.

THe fact that the club did not discipline him (well if they did, it didn't work!) for mouthing off was a sign that the club had lost the plot.

So yes, he's a big headed young man who wants to go places and win medals, and he should have been told to wind his neck in.
But; in a team that had lost it's way, he still ended up with 18 league goals.

I think Ronald Koeman will weigh up whether it's worth keeping him or not (and he seems to want to initially) after that discussion. If Rom wants to go then my guess Ronald would say "fine" go out and play your best for this club and if someone comes in for an amount we think is right, then you can go...but while you're here, I will expect you, as with every other player, to pull your tripes out for this club. Anyone who doesn't will find himself in the reserves."

Colin Glassar
59 Posted 18/06/2016 at 19:00:38
Excellent post Jim. IRIT (can I say that?)
Jim Lloyd
60 Posted 18/06/2016 at 19:05:13
Colin, Too right!
Dennis Ng
61 Posted 18/06/2016 at 19:14:14
Jim 58, well said. As much as I disliked his public posturing, July is a new season, a change of regime. We'll have to put our faith in RK to make the right choices. Last season is really a poor benchmark for the club. And no, I don't know WTH IRIT is, I'll have to google that and hope it tells me what it is LOL
Andy Crooks
62 Posted 18/06/2016 at 19:15:49
Darren, I agree, no one will pay crazy money for Lukaku. However, I' m happy with that because I believe he will stay, score goals, and then move on for crazy money. I accept that he looked lost in the last game, in fact he couldbe described as a flat track bully.

In my view, though, his scoring record is excellent, his flaws can be corrected with a proper coach, he has huge scope and, most importantly, we now have a manager who I expect will curtail his cretinous ramblings and his inflated ego. He must stay, as must John Stones.

Paul Conway
63 Posted 18/06/2016 at 19:15:49
Daniel @ 46 agreed. McCarthy is out of his depth in the Ireland squad, who don't have a lot of top talent at their disposal, but they give it a go. He always looks jaded and out of breath. He is also a liability concerning yellow cards.

Wigan made him look good, along with certain other players. That said, I personally don't think he would get into a top 4 team and if that's what we are aiming at, he has to go.

Andy Meighan
64 Posted 18/06/2016 at 19:19:42
So Lukaku gets a brace against a poor republic side and suddenly everything is rosy in the garden. No... afraid not. He's an average player who will get a few goals but his overall game is ordinary. The upside is them goals might up his price.

Oh and by the way. He did cost us a place in the cup final: a missed penalty and four good chances is testament to that...

Paul Setter
65 Posted 18/06/2016 at 19:30:35
Glad I'm not the only one that that's thinks headless chicken McCarthy is diabolically awful. I couldn't tell you what he is supposed to be good at...
Jim Lloyd
66 Posted 18/06/2016 at 19:38:37
Dennis, I think Colin is referring to "In Ronald I Trust" which is good enough for me. Roll on August!
Trevor Lynes
67 Posted 18/06/2016 at 20:07:34
He had two shots today, both on target and both goals....who else at our club will score the goals ?

He is well worth hanging on to even if it means doing what Liverpool did with Suarez.If he plays well for us he can still be coveted by a so called bigger club and if we make Europe he may well see his full contract out with us.

I would not miss Barkley or Stones if they wanted away half as much as Lukaku who kept us out of a relegation fight last season.

Don Alexander
68 Posted 18/06/2016 at 20:55:41
Lukaku has a big mouth and through it has repeatedly said, amongst other things, that he knows he must improve. The fact is he's improved very little though. Yes he scores goals but to step up to CL stardom he needs to vastly improve his mobility, ball-retention and, for want of a word, bullying against the top teams. However, scoring so many for us will signal to some that in what they believe is their better team he will do even better, but with Mr Moshiri here we have Lukaku's, and other team's, chunks in our grip for a good while yet.

I expect to see our lad starting the season on fire after meeting RK, with a voice sounding as high as Bally's to boot.

Christy Ring
69 Posted 18/06/2016 at 21:23:29
All very quick to slate McCarthy, who didn't train since he went off with a hamstring injury against Norwich. He's clearly not fully fit, and I think he'll thrive as a defensive midfielder under Koeman.
Tony Abrahams
70 Posted 18/06/2016 at 21:45:13
But Only if he's left to do the job by himself though Christy.
Jay Griffiths
71 Posted 18/06/2016 at 22:16:33
TW Evertonian v Evertonian! Didn't the Americans call it blue on blue during the Iraq campaign?
Without the vitriol it would be interesting to garnish the opinions on one must stay, one must go. Stones v Rom.
Ernie Baywood
72 Posted 18/06/2016 at 22:19:21
You saw the goals he scored. He's a great in very specific circumstances. If you're counter attacking or playing with a huge gap between the defence and goalkeeper then you want Rom in your team.

Will we even play that style of football?

Trevor Lynes
73 Posted 18/06/2016 at 22:34:43
Don, I do not know how old you are but Alan Ball, Tony Kay and Roy Vernon all had big mouths and they would get into my best ever EFC side. Even big Neville Southall was mouthy.

Normally top players have ego's and that is why they are top players.Bally roared at his own players publicly and expected a lot from them.I reckon if Lukaku gets proper service he will score bags of goals anywhere. Every striker misses chances but his goal scoring record is pretty fabulous so far. It is a pity no one else seems to know where the goal is.He made a lot of good runs today and many times he was not passed to.Even Linekar would not score without the correct service but luckily he played with us when we could pass forwards accurately.Linekar was a goal poacher in the same way that Owen, Cottee and others were.All their work was in the 18 yard box and no where else.

David Booth
74 Posted 18/06/2016 at 22:43:36
Would be very happy if McCarthy was sold and we got someone with a little more to offer going forward.

Just running around with no tangible threat to the opposition* is not going to help win us anything.

If we are going to challenge at the top again, we need to part-ex him for a decidedly more sporty model.

Would anyone be unhappy if we replaced him with Witsel for example?

However, I would make every effort to keep Lukaku, on the proviso he keeps his - and his father/agent's mouth shut. We need players with drive and ambition and although, as a regular in the side he is part of the problem he appears to be unhappy about, he's worth 25 goals in a poor team.

How many could he score in a good side, namely a decent Everton XI?

All this TW criticism about him not being good at hold-up play and lacking in ball control, although bitter, is is not unfair.

But that can be improved upon and we should be playing to his strengths: looking for his runs and putting the ball in front of him. Not beyond our wit and ability, surely?

Blame Martinez for him stagnating, along with every other player in an Everton shirt for the last two seasons.

I'd love to see Koeman get one season with him and am sure we'd see a much more complete, consistently dangerous, motivated player.

(*see also Cleverley, Lennon, McGeady, Besic)

Don Alexander
75 Posted 18/06/2016 at 23:00:37
Trevor, I apologise for inadvertently misleading you. I was attempting a joke with my reference to wanting Rom to be speaking with a voice as high-pitched as Bally's was. Rom having had his chunks/bollocks grabbed by RK would ensure this. I hope it happens too, figuratively at least.

For the record I saw all three of those gems play cos I'm 61. Vernon and Kay are distant memories admittedly, but I'd sell me own chunks to see a player with the attitude and ability of Bally again. Attitude-wise I see Seamus as being closest in the current squad.

Tony Hill
76 Posted 18/06/2016 at 23:11:17
Don, it's interesting you refer to Seamus' attitude. I agree he's one player to be considered for the captaincy if, as I hope, Jags is relieved of his duties. Problem is, I don't think Coleman's been at his best now for a couple of years, indeed he's been far from his best. I don't know why but he seems to me to have lost some zip, and maybe he was just pissed off with RM. I expect him to get some competition from young Kenny next year.

He's one of my favourite players but he's another who must raise his game significantly.

Phil Walling
77 Posted 18/06/2016 at 23:20:53
If Koeman gets Rom to stay, it will be his job to make him a better player - both by improving his technique and the service with which he is provided.

I always had the feeling that Roberto was in awe of him as he was - or seemed to be - with most of his tribe.

Jay Harris
78 Posted 18/06/2016 at 23:22:38
Trevor you are right in those players being mouthy and I would add Andy Gray and Peter Reid to that list.

But not one of those players would have ever said they wanted to leave EFC for better things.

Anthony Dwyer
79 Posted 19/06/2016 at 00:03:01
Shit that Lukaku isn't he ......
Mike Green
80 Posted 19/06/2016 at 00:27:03
Anthony #79 - yes, on his day he fucking is!
Don Alexander
81 Posted 19/06/2016 at 00:57:40
Tony, I agree re Seamus's performances. Like many others I think Martinez has a HUGE amount to answer for and, following the example of the players at non-Sky-babe teams last season (and up to now Iceland at the Euros), I expect nowt less than a root and branch soul-search by every one of our squad well before next season begins, RK holding the whip.

If Koeman is what his credentials say he is, and I'm confident he is, there's no place for anything less than 100% commitment in ALL facets of the match from everyone at the club, including us fans.

Gavin McGarvey
82 Posted 19/06/2016 at 01:30:29
I can't believe Lukaku is being described as an average player by one of his club's own fans. I know (like all players) he sometimes disappoints but "average"?...

Steve Watson up front (with the American fella on the bench) almost makes me angry in reminiscence, add to that James Beattie, James McFadden, Steven Naismith, Stuart Barlow, Brett Angell etc... etc... These are our "average" footballers. Good players but not a massive amount of goals.

Lukaku is a talented player. He's not Gary Lineker or a pure hybrid breed of Sharp and Gray, but he's not average. If we manage him right he'll be the next Yakubu, without the age barrier. He could be great.

Craig Fletcher
83 Posted 19/06/2016 at 04:14:29
Have to say, for all the times on this site that I've heard "Lukaku couldn't trap a block of cement" his first touch for both of his goals were world class. The finishing wasn't half-bad, either.
Jackie Barry
84 Posted 19/06/2016 at 04:41:32
He's already way better than Yakubu, that statements a bloody joke.
Alex Jones
85 Posted 19/06/2016 at 05:56:26
Maybe because Everton were winning things and challenging at the top when those two were here Jay Harris.

Lukaku is as good as striker as we can attract to Everton. I'd happily buy Milik or Janssen as backup with the potential to replace Lukaku at the end of the season. But for now, keep him another year and bed in a new striker so we don't have to wait while the player acclimatises.

Darren Hind
86 Posted 19/06/2016 at 06:20:57
"His first touch for both goals were world class"

That right there is the sort of nonsense which causes these arguments . . "world class" ? any self respecting Sunday morning footballer would have controlled the first . . and the their mothers would have controlled the second.

Some people on this thread are letting their desperation to win this argument (whatever their argument is) cloud what left of their judgement, to even mention Lukaku in the same breath as players like Ball , Kay and Vernon ? . .simply because he has a big gob ?

Adebayor and Anelka have big gobs, they also had similar,if not more ability that Lukaku. They are the sort of players Lukaku should be compared with.

All three were fantastic in their youth, all three were free scoring youngsters. The older two never did reach the heights they should have , many would argue that was mainly down to their over inflated opinion of themselves.

Like Anelka and Adbayor, Lukaku is more than capable of going through long periods (months, not minutes) of offering his team absolutely nothing. Like the other two he makes no attempt to disguise his cant be arsedness

Those complaining that he is being described as average, clearly didnt spend their time and money travelling around watching Everton since Lukaku decided he had "made it" after scoring the goal against Chelsea. His constant bleating at team mates, his gestures to the sky when missing a steady stream of sitters, his sulks, His deeply insulting lack of effort.
I don't care how good he can be. He has been shite, utterly utterly shite. calling him average is an insult to every average player in the league.

I can live with players being shite after pulling their tripe out, but I can accept a player being shite simply because he cant be arsed.

Lukaku has been around for about five years now and Roberto Martinez is the only manager to have made a really high bid for him. I wonder why that is ? Is that about to change ? I don't thinks so.

I'm expecting more from Lukaku next season, when the big boys don't come calling I expect him to save face by claiming he was persuaded to stay, but he will be humbler, he will realise that not everyone thinks he is as wonderful as he does. He may even get his head down and start producing the performances he has always been capable of. . .consistently

Then we'll all be happy

Neil Pickering
87 Posted 19/06/2016 at 06:44:39
Can't believe how much stick Mccarthy is taking on here though. He is a relatively young player as well, and in his 1st season was fantastic. The other 2 seasons he went backwards but who didn't under that fraud of a manager?

This season is the time to judge, and I reckon we will be pleasantly suprised. I think under a manager like Koeman he will really come on, and with the right midfielders in there to compliment him I think he will flourish.

Ian Jones
88 Posted 19/06/2016 at 07:04:00
Whilst Rom's goals yesterday were taken well, the second was served up to him on a plate. He really should't miss those. His first did need a little more work to get it in the right spot to shoot. Still, a good finish. We have seen a few like that scored for Everton.

For me. These were classic Romelu Lukaku goals. Very little effort required. Ball played in to him how he likes it. In front of him. For him to run on to.

Stephen Ashton
89 Posted 19/06/2016 at 07:13:08
Everything Darren Hind said.
Stephen Ashton
90 Posted 19/06/2016 at 07:26:27
#55 yeah none in ten at the end of the season.
Paul Conway
91 Posted 19/06/2016 at 09:43:07
Cristy Ring @ 69.

Paul McGrath didn't train at all during the '94 World Cup. Jack Charlton had him protected as he had bad knees (check it out).

he went on to play out of his skin, putting in one of the best performances of any Irish international and received Man of the Match as Ireland beat Italy 1-0. His sliding tackles were precision, and were the reason the opposition couldn't score (check it on YouTube).

McCarthy is not progressing with us – that's just my opinion.

Arild Andersen
92 Posted 19/06/2016 at 09:59:14
Alex (85), I too rate Milik and Janssen, any of them would be great, can't see them be interested in being backup for Lukaku though. But if RK would go for 442 perhaps.
McCarthy was a sorry sight, like in the first match. Seamus did well. And Belgium is no team, as others already have noted it seemed like a case of "he's not in my gang, no way I'll pass to him" (like every time Baines ran down the left in Brazil). Mertens too had several opportunities to put Lukaku, and Hazard I think, through, but always chose other options.
Paul Mackie
93 Posted 19/06/2016 at 10:46:03
Some serious revisionism going on here just because Lukaku wants to play Champions League football.
Mark Pringle
94 Posted 19/06/2016 at 11:58:00
The Lukaku debate should be quite a simple one: he must be kept, in my opinion, if we have any kind of ambition. He is under contract, he is a proven goal scorer, he is young, badly advised (in our opinion) and has a big mouth.

Our options are to sell him, but I doubt we will get close to the crazy fees being bandied about, and also I do not think we could replace him. All the people saying sell him, I can understand why, but tell me who you would replace him with who has the same or better proven goal scoring record?

I love a hard working grafter of a striker but I prefer one that actually scores goals consistently. As the new boss said, you don't sell your best players!

The second option is to keep him for another season. I get the whole 'he doesn't work hard enough', 'he's lazy', 'not interested' etc. However, he has been these things because he has been allowed to be by a manager who was a lovely man by all accounts, but never gave him a rocket up his arse.

Koeman will stand for no shit and has openly said Lukaku needs to improve. Let's see how Lukaku does with a bit of disciplined man-management because if the starting position is 20 goals a season just now, he could be frightening if managed correctly!!

What's the worst that can happen? – He doesn't listen, sulks for a year so we sell him while he still has two years left on his contract instead of three. Somehow, under the new regime, I don't think that will happen!!

Damian Wilde
95 Posted 19/06/2016 at 11:59:47
Darren, good post. Who on earth said his touches were world class?! Goid finishes, but tgey were on a plate. His touch in general is awful, hence why he is way way behind the Suarez's of this world.

Paul, it's nothing to do with him 'wanting go play CL football' - it's the constant spouting off in the press. Can people please get their facts straight.

Paul Andrews
96 Posted 19/06/2016 at 12:19:14
One of two things will happen here: the goals may put money on top of the transfer fee we can expect... or the goals and new manager will give him the confidence to improve an already good goalscoring record.

In my opinion, as with John Stones, we will be negotiating with one club only. Lukaku will play his football for Everton or PSG next season.

It's the worst way he has put himself forward for a club to buy him for an enhanced fee.

Now if we can just give Stones a game ahead of the average Cahill....

Terry McLavey
97 Posted 19/06/2016 at 12:26:33
Two goals eh? Ker-ching!!
Trevor Lynes
98 Posted 19/06/2016 at 13:23:46
Jay #78 None of them said they wanted to leave but in those days there were no foreign players in the top flight.The situation is far different now and money rules !!If players are really good they want to play for teams who win things and that has never changed.When EFC had top players they were owned by Sir John Moores who paid good money.All the players were British and very few wanted to move to foreign shores.It was exactly the same for foreign players, they did not come to Britain.This big influx of mercenary's has come about due to SKY money and I do not blame any player trying to cash in because his career is relatively short.

Ball used to remonstrate with players on the pitch in front of the fans...poor sandy Brown used to get regular rollickings.Not much was said by players in the press as they were gagged.In those days the players how no clout compared to todays game.But being mouthy has been the norm for some players throughout the history of the game !!

Peter Morris
99 Posted 19/06/2016 at 14:09:22
Lukaku was so bad against Italy, that he got hooked. At his ineffective worst, and I said probably knocked £10m off his value to us. Yesterday, he put the £10m back on, and stuck his goals away with aplomb. The two performances over the space of a few days sum him up perfectly. So frustrating!
What's gone wrong with Jimmy Mac? From being perpetual motion personified, he seems to have totally lost his love for the game and with it his mojo. He is constantly getting caught out going asleep on duty, and was awful yesterday. I hope Koeman can get under the lad's skin and get him back to his best, something we haven't seen for a long while.
Peter Gorman
100 Posted 19/06/2016 at 14:28:47
Peter, I missed the game, where did McCarthy play? It seems he works best playing box-to-box rather than just sitting deep. Perhaps he was under instruction?

Just a one-off I know, but in the last game against Norwich where he was given license from Rhino, he played like a man possessed. That's the player we need to see.

Darren Hind
101 Posted 19/06/2016 at 17:01:39
It always makes me laugh when people try to divert the legitimate criticism of Lukaku by criticising John Stones.

Two things to consider here; Stones has fuck all to do with this debate so the usual snide criticism that is introduced in every Lukaku debate by the guy who has spent three years proving the stopped clock theory wrong, is just an attempt to divert the debate.

NOBODY has put a bid in for Lukaku so suggestions that he will be joining PSG is just a wild guess . . The sort of shite the Sun would print

Patrick Murphy
102 Posted 19/06/2016 at 17:36:15
Darren (101) Seeing, as far as I can tell, it was me who introduced John Stones into this thread, legitimately in my view, but obviously you don't agree. Why do you go on to say - if it was me to whom you refer - that I've proved the stopped clock theory wrong.

I and every other poster is entitled to an opinion, TW is not a court of law, it's not a question of whether somebody is right or wrong, it's a point of view. If I feel that a point can be made to support my view I will make it regardless of how upsetting it may be to other posters. Stones and Lukaku are very good players, but both need guidance to fulfil their promise, there is more chance of that happening at Goodison, particularly under the new boss, than elsewhere and I would prefer to watch them both rather than some of the other cart-horses we have watched in the past.

BTW could you tell me what time it is? As my watch, like me is always wrong.


Frank Wade
103 Posted 19/06/2016 at 17:43:53
Peter (100), I watched the game on TV. McCarthy played in central midfield paired with Glenn Whelan. His role seemed to be more or less the same as with Everton, working hard, closing down and trying to win the ball back. As with Everton, when he does win the ball he passes (tries ) to the nearest team mate, not a lot of inspiration or creativity. He has been getting a lot of stick on Irish TV for not being the complete midfielder who will demand the ball, get on the ball, dictate play etc. He does not have the confidence to perform this role. Whether he has the ability, we may never know. The give and go with Dowell that got him the goal against Norwich showed a tantalising glimpse of a player he could be.

Yesterday, he made two crucial errors, which lead to the first two Belgian goals and he has been crucified for this. For the first, covering a break from an Irish attacking free kick, he chased De Bruyne in possession up the Belgian right wing. Instead of shadowing the player and holding him up 45 yards out, he lunged in, missed and de Bruyne was away into a 2 on 1 situation with Lukaku against O'Shea. De Bruyne rolled a ball to Lukaku on the edge of the box. A simple control, with touch described here both as 'world class' and 'granny class' and Lukaku tucked it away. In fairness to Lukaku, he has shown he is a great finisher when set up like this, as he also did for the third goal.

For the 2nd Belgian goal, McCarthy was picking up Witzel about 25 yards central after he played the ball wide. Witzel made a well timed run in behind McCarthy to connect with the ensuing cross with a well placed header, while our man was watching the ball. I would apportion some blame to O'Shea who was grappling with Lukaku instead of attacking the ball and clearing the danger.

It could be that McCarthy is not fully fit, as he had an injury prior to departure, which could partially excuse the first but not the second.

My tuppence worth on the Lukaku debate. If we can find a replacement player who will convert the chances he does and also contribute more to the team in working the defence, running off the ball, winning 50% of ball, has a decent first touch, knows the offside, a team player etc, then I would grant Lukaku his wish. Not sure, the expected flood of bids will arrive from the CL clubs. We must have a replacement first as Niasse and Kone don't fit the bill either.

Paul Andrews
104 Posted 19/06/2016 at 18:26:57
Frank Wade,

I agree re McCarthy, although this is a Lukaku debate only. He does not want possession of the ball, he hides from it. I would sell if we can get decent money.

Lukaku will not fit in with Koeman's philosophy or style of play. He likes to press high up the pitch; Lukaku hasn't got the stamina to do that.

I also agree – there will not be a flood of buyers from the Premier League. My opinion, not garnered from a newspaper that should not be mentioned by anyone from the city, is that PSG will be the only bidder. But, as I say, that's just my opinion.

It is also my opinion that Man City will be the only club that bids for Stones. Some on here are guided by the tabloids, and have posted that every manager of the top clubs in Europe will bid for Stones. Not a chance of that happening.

Darren Hind
105 Posted 19/06/2016 at 18:30:13
Patrick

You do not come on to every Lukaku related thread and make snide comments about Stones..

I was no talking to you

Stones was miles away from the match yesterday, the players who were are those being discussed.

There is no comparison to be made between Lukaku and stones One plays at the back and the other plays up top. One has had three enormous concrete bids made for his service the other has drawn no interest at all.

Its coming up to half seven

Tom Bowers
106 Posted 19/06/2016 at 18:35:21
Rom is a goalscorer but will always have day when he doesn't score and people will question his performance.
Italy are tough in defence and always have been when it comes down to these tournaments whereas the Irish had a defence like butter.
Even Ronaldo couldn't score yesterday even with a spot kick but we know he will score on other days.
Kieran Fitzgerald
107 Posted 19/06/2016 at 18:48:34
I watched the game with a friend yesterday. He said we should swap Barkley and McCarthy on the pitch. Play Barkley in a deeper role and McCarthy in a more advanced role. Interesting and I thought it may benefit both players.
Darren Hind
108 Posted 19/06/2016 at 20:50:42
Just googled the PSG / Lukaku link to see why it keeps getting suggested on here.

It would appear the Sun and the Mail have both run with the story that PSG are the only club who can afford him.

Must be true then

Paul Andrews
109 Posted 19/06/2016 at 21:05:34
It's also in the Mirror and The Guardian. Newspapers that reflect the political beliefs of most scousers.

It is also reported in the right-wing papers that very few in my neck of the woods read.

Paul Andrews
111 Posted 20/06/2016 at 05:46:24
I would not give those newspapers the time of day.

Here it is straight from the horses mouth.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/romelu-lukaku-hails-psg-continues-11486706


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