World Cup Qualifier: September 10 2008
Croatia 1 – 4 England
Super Theo
Obviously the place to start. Walcott was brilliant on Wednesday and took his three goals with composure. The 19-year-old offered England a constant out ball on the right and took on defenders. Despite, being laid out by Josip Simunic shortly after he had scored the first the Arsenal winger continued to want the ball and was rewarded with two more goals. The Croatian defenders couldn’t cope with his place and he is now ahead of the host of other English right wingers.
Left-sided problem
David James apart, Joe Cole was England’s least effective player in Wednesday’s thrashing. As usual he ventured inside too often making life difficult for all around him. In moving inside he clogs up the middle of the park and reduces the passing options of those behind him, especially Ashley Cole at left back. Joe has been doing this throughout his England career and is just not a left winger. England have had problems with this for years and Stewart Downing once again proved against Andorra on Saturday he is still not ready to be the answer to our problem. It is time to give Ashley Young a go. Yes, like Cole (J) he is predominantly right-footed but unlike Cole he hugs the touchline, something Theo did so well against the Croats. With those to on the wings, opposition defences would certainly be stretched and that would create more room for Rooney, Lampard and co. in the middle.
Amazing Emile
Pace, power, strength and a presence. Those are the attributes Heskey offers England and I’ve been saying for years that he is under-rated by many England fans. As he did against Russia last year and Andorra on Saturday, Heskey again showed his worth for his country. His ability to hold up the ball or win free kicks allowed England to keep possession, something they have struggled to do in recent years. This frustrated the Croats and really helped England get on top. Heskey is here to stay.
Fabio gets it right
It would have been easy for Capello to play David Beckham on the right or even in a midfield three, leaving out one of Heskey or Walcott. It would have been equally easy for him to include Michael Owen or Peter Crouch in the squad/team but he didn’t. He realised a change in personel was needed and gave Heskey and Walcott their chance to shine. Well done Fabio.
Who needs Gerrard?
Without Steven Gerrard and Becks in the team, England kept the ball. There were less attempts at long passes and the ball was played to feet. The England side looked a lot better playing this way and for the near future, I hope Stevie G, Becks and maybe even Joe Cole are used as (very talented) sparks off the bench.
Note to Fabio: Gerrard is not the answer to the left-sided problem.
In goal
David James had another shaky game for England. The Portsmouth goalie looks brilliant when playing for his club but still doesn’t convince when he pulls on a national shirt. The problem is we don’t have anyone better.
Paul Robinson is still in shocking form.
Rob Green is a great shot-stopper but his poor comand of a penalty box means he should never be considered.
Chris Kirkland is good but not quite international class, although maybe should be next in line.
Ben Foster doesn’t play enough.
Scott Carson like Robbo is lacking in confidence.
So for the moment we have to stick with James, who is the best anyway but also most likely to cause a Capello heart-attack.
Setanta replays
I know it was probably a Croatian host broadcaster but the replays during Setanta’s coverage of the game were very frustrating. Often showing insignificant fouls or bits of play, while the action had restarted. Unless there is a goal, great chance, great bit of skill or controversial decision we don’t want to see replays. Sky do this very well, as did the BBC but you often notice the difference when watching an England away game or a European away game for that matter.
