Two games, Two wins. Where from here?

September 8th, 2010 | by: Rob |

So that was good. Supposedly the hardest game in the group, against the team that beat the current World Champions, away, and we picked up a pretty convincing win. The Swiss had a couple of good spells that made Hart look awkward at the back, and Xherdan Shaqiri scored an absolute screamer, but for long spells we were in total control, passing the ball along the ground and actually holding on to possession.

So what was the difference between this and the World Cup? Confident wingers. With the exception of SWP, who looked even worse than usual, we looked like we had good width. James Milner still hasn’t quite gotten over the World Cup, but looked lively, Theo Walcott looked promising and vibrant for his short spell, and (A) Johnson was possibly England’s best player after he came on for Theo. Add to that the expected goodness of Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson, and we actually used all the pitch.

What was noticible was how much Johnson (G) and Ashley Cole could come inside and not have to stay doggedly to the wings because they could trust the players out wide, in a way they didn’t seem to before. I lost count of the amount of times Cole in particular could come inside, and even cropped up in the box a couple of times. It was also, of course a pass from inside that gave Darren Bent his goal.

Capello now has some calls to make – abeit some time to make them as well. Is Frank Lampard going to come back and take that Number 8 shirt again? Is it Theo or Johnson on the right for good now? And is SWP ever going to get near the England squad ever again.

Also in defence. Terry was injured, but Lescott, Dawson and Jagielka all played well enough to suggest that Terry’s England future is pretty much in doubt. I’m happier with Jagielka plus one of the other two than I am with Upson and Terry.

It’ll be interesting to see which way Capello goes. But for now, lets enjoy two wins and two good performances. It doesn’t exorcise the World Cup, but we seem to be stepping in the right direction

England Football Team World Cup Blog RSS Feed

http://www.soccerlimeyinamerica.com SoccerLimey

I think the crucial element now is how Capello progresses forward. He has a squad that was thrown together becuase of injury that performed at a high level and looked to have their passion back. My own feeling is that he should stick with what he has started off with, and Lampard and co should get some bench time.

Too much in the past, certain veterans have almost felt that they were untouchable in the starting line-up, and I think the Gerrard-Lampard two-step needs to be put to bed for good. Garrard has shown that he can excel without Lampard and obviously the reverse is not the case.

Maybe now Fabulous Frank might think twice about taking a summer vacation and leaving his groin operation until an important Qualifier weekend.