Jon Walters’ heroic 65 minutes against Sweden were one of his best yet in an Ireland jersey.
And his zero minutes against Belgium were a significant factor in the Republic of Ireland’s first-half struggles against a side whose defensive frailties were exploited by a relatively unspectacular Italian attack, at least on paper, on Monday night.
Walters was ruled out of Ireland’s second Euro 2016 group tie with a recurrence of his Achilles injury and, my God, his absence was telling.
Darren Randolph’s kickouts repeatedly resulted in immediate Belgium attacks due to the fact that Ireland lacked the Stoke forward’s power in the air and Shane Long had no outlet or support when he so happened win the ball.
Walters may not have the technical ability of an Andres Iniesta or the skill to produce moments of unfathomable brilliance like Cristiano Ronaldo but, Jesus, we’re missing him in Bordeaux.
#irl are badly missing Walters. #bel are giving them space in the final third but their attacking play is so poor.
— Typographus (@coyspurs) June 18, 2016
The lack of John Walters in team been highlighted so far. Overpowered at moment
— Stephen Elliott (@SleevesElliott) June 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/chrismboulay/status/744161446087491584
#IRL are actually missing #Walters in this game because #Long is a lot more isolated
— The West Ham Way (@WestHamWayCom) June 18, 2016
Ireland defending really well. Jon Walters big loss as an outlet.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) June 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/WillieGannon/status/744161105761734656
Missing the Jonny Walters factor https://t.co/bxkJMcOJYZ
— Ant (@StokieAnt32) June 18, 2016
Badly missing Johnny Walters to hold up the ball, no-one for Long to play off. Look under pressure down the right side too..#BELIRL
— Michael O'Reilly (@mikie2999) June 18, 2016
Really missing Johnny Walters so far
— karl james (@cjor1172) June 18, 2016
We won't last 90 mins like this. Need to get at them, they aren't that good defensively. Shame Walters isn't fit
— Kev (@IsThatTequila) June 18, 2016
MON should have put Walters in the technical area, as close to the pitch as possible staring at Belgians. He could still do a job from there
— Evan Fanning (@evanfanning) June 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/Chinerz/status/744154315309318144
It's clear that we are missing Walters today. Long could do with support in attack.#IRLBEL #IRL #BEL #COYBIG
— Crowe's Bar (@crowesgalway) June 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/Kaboom_13/status/744164828260990978
Missing Johnny Walters to win a few headers up front, Long balls to Long ain't the one
— Laura (@wauwa_) June 18, 2016
