Well, so much for Capello’s new focus and sense of purpose… here was the soul-destroyingly familiar sight of England flattering to deceive. Early promise subsided into muddling mediocrity until a final flourish almost fooled us into thinking we might actually score. Green’s pathetic mistake could shatter his career, never mind his tournament, but the game was really up when we lostrelinquished control after the initial euphoria wore off and poor passing and possession let the USA back into the game and we were fortunate Altadore carried on where he left off at Hull last season.
Big Stevie Gerrard was England’s best player, but like Cole and Rooney, he stayed too deep for far too long. Rooney was wasted in a static central role. Heskey was a fine target man but it was pointless bringing on Crouch if he had no support. Johnson had a good second half but his attacking forays exposed Carragher’s lack of pace. The USA defended strongly in their box but gave us plenty of room in midfield in the second half. They had the best chances until our final desperate push. The best part of the World Cup is always the glorious wave of unifying optimism before a ball is kicked. Back to reality – England to stagger into the next phase.
Rob ‘butterfinger’ Green…
Steven ‘I turned up, where the hell were the rest of you’ Gerrard…
