The Fear
A Wise Man (once sat next to him)
You think they didn't play him because of his injury?
My point was, throughout, and he said it himself, as others were coming back from CL and Europa finals, he was coming back from injury. Even in one of the friendlies, he came off and had ice put on his shin remember? So I thought to not play him in the more mundane group stages, or only bit part, was sensible. I'd have started him v Germany, but he did his job despite not starting. I would again have rested v the Ukraine, especially as it would have been sensible of Ukraine to kick lumps out of him.
So I was hoping it was managing his injury, good for him, good for Villa, good for England in the later stages when we needed a fresh, fit, Jack. I'd have had him on from the start v Italy, and most likely Denmark.
IF that had happened, then it would have been great injury management. Remember, he was on a separate training regime due to the injury. It would have shown Gareth to be a very good manager.
Sadly, it appears, I'm a better manager than him in this respect! LOL