England vs Slovenia

Question marks over the Manager,the Captain and the Spirit of the England camp were the topic of many journalists and experts in the game.Having their own fans “boo”the nation off the field in a lacklustre performance against Algeria it was time to perform and fill the template set on the World stage.Capello made 3 changes with in mind that England required a win to qualify and not rely on the other result to influence their fate.Upson,Milner and Defoe stepped in to fill the boats with extreme pressure on their shoulders to make the nation proud.You could sense the tension watching the players line up during the national anthem with Slovenia looking very calm and composed as they were topping the group before the game.The England fans were louder than ever singing traditional England songs and really make their presence felt as the “12th man” got behind the team to fill Wayne Rooneys comments at the end of the Algeria game as he trounced of the pitch.On four minutes he chased a 40 yard ball and closed down the keeper in the aggressive fashion Premier League fans are used to.On 8 minutes Gareth Barry crunched Birsa in the middle of the field conceding a free kick but demonstrating the fight and passion England have been lacking in the opening two games.A response was on the cards from the opening minutes of the game from Capellos men displaying a sense of urgency , a willingness to close down the opposition and a number of slick passes across the field without conceding possession.Two of the players brought into the side combined for the crucial goal on 2 2minutes as James Milner delivered an excellent cross from the right and Jermain Defoe provided the finishing touch.Visibly, the pressure lifted from English shoulders.

The high-tempo, quick passing, tigerish pressing game Capello had yearned for was finally projected for the World to see and could of doubled their lead with Gerrard coming close on a few occasions.The Defence was solid being lead by the outspoken John Terry who demonstrated exactly why he leads by example on the pitch,throwing his body on the line on many occasions to prevent Slovenia from scoring.His determination and leadership was much required today and was definitely a candidate for man of the match alongside Steven Gerrard.Had first Terry, then Glen Johnson, not thrown themselves in front of Slovenian shots, the smallest country in the tournament would have had their equaliser and England would have been out.t was sumptuous fare lifted directly from the Premier League, the kind of football that prompted Capello to make his “crazy” claim that England could reach the final of this grand and prestigious tournament in Soccer City on 11th July.For Slovenia, events elsewhere would give them cause for huge regret. For England, pride was restored – and a sigh of relief could be breathed. England 1 Slovenia 0 p.s A big thanks to my client Sandra for being a good Sport.