England 1John Terry 68
Brazil 1Goals: Diego 90.
Attendance: 88,745
Match Referee: Markus Merk (Germany).
Steve McClaren must be happy some 3 Lions fans, and various British media outlets, won't be jumping all over him in the clamour for him to be sacked before the match against Estonia. However, it may not stay that way for long, we shall see.
Of course, Beckham started for the first time in McClaren's 10 game England managerial career, and of course, Beckham provided John Terry with a quality ball for his backpost headed goal.
If it was not for Carrick switching off completely in the last minute at a dead ball situation, and had gone with the runner and eventual goalscorer Diego, England would have won their first game at the "
New Wembley", against the Samba Boys of Brazil no less.
I thought England played ok defensively speaking. The players closed down the likes of Kaka and Ronaldhino well enough to put them off their stride for the most part. It was going forward where England looked a bit weak.
Alan Smith toiled away up front next to the returning Michael Owen, who looked surprisingly strong after his long term injury. Smith was replaced by Kieron Dyer who could be returning to form. If he can stay fit, Dyer is a definate asset to the 3 Lions. His pace and energy is a danger to any team. I like Dyer, it's a pity he's so prone to injury.
Reading left back Shorey had a creditable debut in an International shirt. Ashley Cole is unlikely to lose his place when fit, but Shorey played well. Rumours are Wayne Bridge will replace Shorey against Estonia if fit. I would be inclined to stick with Shorey. He did nothing wrong, and could not really do much more to earn the right to retain the number 3, with Cole unavailable for selection.
Stephen Gerrard was awarded the man of the match for his battling display in midfield. Hopefully Frank Lampard can find his form in the England shirt. I think he could do with a couple of goals to get him going. Hopefully next week will be his time.
All in all a satisfactory performance against an admittedly slightly under-strengthed Brazil side. Bet hey, whoever Dunga puts on the pitch for Brazil will provide formidable opposition for any internation side.
England Team: Robinson, Carragher, King, Terry (Brown 72), Shorey, Beckham (Jenas 77), Gerrard, Lampard (Carrick 88), Cole (Downing 62), Smith (Dyer 62), Owen (Crouch 83).
# England Subs Not Used: Carson, Bridge, Neville, Bentley, Green, Defoe.
Brazil Team: Helton, Daniel (Maicon 65), Naldo, Juan, Gilberto, Ronaldinho, Mineiro (Edmilson 63), Gilberto Silva, Kaka (Alves 71), Robinho (Diego 74), Vagner Love.
# Brazil Subs Not Used: Doni, Alex Silva, Alex, Marcelo, Josue, Elano, Jo.
England 1 Brazil 1♠
England 1 Brazil 1 (the fa)♠
England Draw 1-1 With Brazil (bbc)
Posted at 8:58 PM, Sunday, June 03, 2007
2 Comments
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