There is no reason for UK to receive F-35Bs so late when it will achieve IOC in 2011 in the US. The only hold-back is the funding, so that's sort of a self-inflicted wound right there.
I suppose the EF would use tactics similar to the F-16, concentrating on gaining an advantageous position at high transonic or low supersonic speeds, boom and zoom, but the problem is that this will not stop an ultra-agile modern WVR missile shot up the tailpipe aimed off-boresight by HMS. The F-18E uses its superior nose pointing ability to pump missile after missile at an F-16 doing its characteristic 90 degree full bank left or right or zoom climb after merge.
sorry if I don't get the terms properly, I'm not English or American.