Never thought I'd say this but I have actually enjoyed watching England during the last 2 games. Some excellent passages of play culminating in 6 goals and 2 clean sheets, not bad. It was great to see Shaun Wright-Phillips and Micah Richards bag a goal each, both players in great form and a rewarded with a goal.
Micheal Owen has found his feet again and his goal against Israel oozed class, a real pearler. Tonight's conversions proved beyond doubt he has the ability to crucify defensive lapses with his razor sharp eye for goal. The partnership with Heskey worked a treat and if I had to eat humble pie then Emile has served up a cream pie and smacked me in the face with it, circus clown stylie! He has rolled back the years and surprised me with his all round game play, not that I didn't know he could still perform, but for England? Fair play mate!
Gareth Barry has been a joy to watch and has taken to his midfield duties like a duck to water. 3 assists, fantastic performance. The balance with Gerrard looks like a hand in glove and none of the discussion about the Pie Eater, this combination works a treat. As for the other Chelsea connection, Joe Cole is another class act on his day and has turned in some good performances for his country and wins automatic selection for me.
The defense has looked reasonably solid but there have been a few anxious moments when the wheels threatened to come off a good performance but all in all the nuts have been tight enough to ride out the bumps, Robinson doing what was required although not too challenged by weaker oppositions.
Hate to say it but credit where it's due, Ferdinand's cheeky shuffle 'n' shoot was another cream pie in the face for me, I tend to base my opinions of him on that stupid send up show he did against fellow footy stars (and that was sh*te!)
I'm not his biggest fan but McClaren has assembled a squad where you expect the best but actually get better than what you bargained for... is that another cream heading my way...?!!
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