England vs USA

England England England……

Well i write to you with an sigh as The stage was set and the off the field problems,injuries and Wags would have no influence and it was time to just play football.Gerrard was the Leader of the group as the Nations streets were empty and every Englishman and women were in doors watching the game.The talk in the tabloids and online polls are all about Robert Green and one must not dwell on mistakes ,yet when you are an international keeper you can turn from hero to zero in a second.”its my fault” said the keeper as the Rustenburg stadium was full with English fans.The players started with alot of energy and after just revealing his team two hours before Capellos methods were implemented.The anxiety was over and the players just wanted to go out there and represent the nations great expectation which they have every tournament.Steven Gerrard got England of to a flyer as he latched onto Emile Heskeys through pass where he took a touch to control and slotted in a neat finish passed the Everton Goal keeper Tim howard.Finally playing in his preffered role through the middle alongside Frank Lampard he really took the game by the neck.England continued to threaten throughout the half with a great displays from players such as Glen Johnson and Emile Heskey.You could see them grow in confidence as time went by thoughout the first half and what a big attribute to have when playing in a massive tournament.

On 40 minutes a clanger of all clangers as Clint Dempseys hopeful strike with his left foot from outside the area seemed to skid of the surface at a very comfortable pace that a keeper should place his body behind the ball and parry.It slipped out of his hands and agonizingly rolled in the back of the net as Green crashed to his knees.Now all great keepers make mistakes and some on bigger stages than others yet it is how they bounce back and reflect.A test of character is the best response a coach or manager can ask for after a mistake like that.However,one may question whether Robert Green is worthy of being mentioned in the same category as David seaman who suffered  in the 2002 World cup against Ronaldinhos floated “Shross” or Gordan Banks in the 70s. My view is you have to wonder whether Capello took a risk in playing Green ahead of the experienced 39 year old David James or the inform English keeper of the year Joe Hart.Only time will tell and it is not up to Capello to either remain faith in keeper who must be low on confidence or revert to the other two.The game did feel like a defeat in many ways as once Milner was taken off Wright Phillips was brought on but in my opinion is too similar to Lennon and perhaps a certain Adam Johnson or Theo walcott would be sitting on holiday wondering why they are not in the current squad. Ledley King was injured and there have been many doubts in his fitness as his condition to rest and not join the squads training is unique.It isn’t the end of the World for England but should have been a game that was won comfortably.In my opinion Algeria are unpredictable and certainly will fight every minute to win the game and Slovenia are my dark horses to perhaps raise a few eyebrows in how tactical they can be. England 1 USA 1