England efforts

Whenever I watch an England game these days, especially if I haven’t written anything before reading the paper, I feel more like analysing what other people are writing, and how, rather than the game itself. When it comes to Premiership games I usually feel as though I have watched the same game as the reporters (not always, but usually), when it comes to England – not so much. Firstly it seems as though everyone had their eyes on Beckham, intent on scrutinising his contribution and hail it either as the knight (yes, it may happen, headlines already going mad) in shining armour, saving his country – or an utter failure to add to the manager’s many shortcomings. As good old David played well it seems we are going with the former option.

I, of course, was mainly interested in seeing how Ledley got on, and hence had a completely different focus. What I saw of the game was a pretty decent but rather uninspired and somewhat defensive performance which left the strikers a bit alone – and the goal coming from a Beckham set piece. Have we seen this before somewhere? Joe Cole for all his stylish moves didn’t contribute much substance and could have come off sooner – Downing brought more action in. I would have preferred Crouch to Smith, probably for the full 90. Steven Gerrard was a one-man midfield, it has to be said, but I would still like to see him play with a strong holding midfielder (not Frank Lampard) – as it was he had too much defending to do. Jamie Carragher is a waste a right-back, through no fault of his own. He just isn’t one. Shorey did well on his England debut. And Beckham did play very competent football, not just with the set pieces. John Terry was great as, I think, was Ledley. I felt that the two of them played well with each other, covering the ground well and cleaning up nicely. Ledley made the odd (three?) mistake, but was a joy to watch. It can only get better against Estonia, a game which he should certainly (?) be selected to start in. Jermaine Jenas came on for Beckham for the final minutes and had little opportunity to make an impact, but Robbo was on fine form and made some nice saves when he wasn’t reduced to just watching the game – which was most of the time. I look forward to new matches and developments - and for the first time in a few months, so it would seem, do fans and manager...