England's opener against the USA turned out to be rather disappointing in what can only be described as a lacklustre performance by the English. The match ended in a 1-1 draw much to the dissatisfaction of an unusually more emotional than usual Fabio Capello. iSporter Chirag Mansukhani reports.
As things panned out Emile Heskey was quick to justify his selection in the side by nudging a ball gently in the path of Captain Steven Gerrard who made no mistake with the finish giving England the lead and a terrific start to the game as early as the fourth minute. Tim Howard was absolutely raging mad at what had just gone down and was livid with himself and his defence for going a goal down so early.
However, from then on USA seemed to be the much better side all round. They kept attacking the England goal and while England did have a few chances, they were far from being the superior side in the first half.
On the half hour mark Capello decided to bring on Wright-Philips to replace Milner who was the first English player to be booked. That had little effect as USA equalised through Dempsey who kept good control of the ball before sending a shot on target and after that only Robert Green knows what happened because the ball just seemed to flow straight out of his hands and into the goal. One has to feel for Robert Green although it was an appalling piece of goalkeeping that left Green red with embarrassment. He could only hope that his teammates would take him out of trouble.
The half ended at 1-1 and one can only imagine what the team talk from Fabio Capello must have been like. Capello was much more stressed and strained than usual as he kept screaming out instructions from the touchline. Carragher was introduced to replace Ledley King although he went rather quickly into the referee's books and was followed by Steven Gerrard. Ledley King followed Rio Ferdinand on to the injured list and is likely to miss the next game for the English.
Gerrard had a decent game and lead from the front as a true leader and captain of the side. Rooney was kept rather quiet through most of the game. Heskey who can seem to do everything except score proved to be rather ineffective and he missed a sitter which he was unable to put past the USA goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Peter Crouch came on to try and make an impact on the game and while England did play a better second half they were unable to find the net again. The angst on the face of David Beckham simply said it all.
USA came away from the match the happier of the two sides as they would have definitely settled for a draw before the game. In terms of the World Cup Campaign England haven't lost much but they must certainly look to improve their performances if they are to have any chance of progressing to the latter stages of this tournament.
The good news is that Gareth Barry should be fit for the next game and hopefully Capello will be able to string together the correct starting eleven. England certainly has a very strong side on paper, but the problem has always been the team's performance on the pitch.
All said and done a slipshod start to the English campaign with one certainly hoping that the Three Lions will come out roaring in their matches to follow.
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