Boring, Boring England (Another Halftime Report)
Just once in this World Cup I would like to have a perfect game. I want the team I’m supporting to come out to an early 1-0 advantage that becomes 2-0 by halftime. England v. Trinidad and Tobago is not that game.
The problem with England on the field thus far is that they have no leadership on the field. I just don’t think Beckham should be wearing that captain’s armband. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. John Terry should be your captain. That hustle to keep the Soca Warriors off the score sheet absolutely saved England’s ass. Terry has the passion to inspire people. Becks always let his playing do the inspiring, and frankly, that doesn’t work so well when your playing has lost some of its edge.
I see some real problems with the Carragher/Becks linkup. I would give an awful lot to have a healthy Gary Neville if only to have a known partnership between defender and wing on the right side. The Cole/Cole partnership showed some decent promise today on the left side, and I’m hoping some creativity will come from that quarter in the second half.
Peter Crouch should have buried that cross from Beckham. It was a gift from God, and he was duty bound to seal the deal. I love Peter Crouch, and I don’t think he gets nearly the respect he deserves. But, dammit, he seems intent on giving all of his critics just the ammunition they desire.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sven bring out Rooney in the second half. I think it’s a dangerous and stupid move, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised.
Just for the record, England are my team, not the USA. There seems to have been some confusion amongst my readers, friends, and acquaintances on this point. I support the USA because I’m an American citizen, but I have far more of my soul invested in the English national team. Remember, I’m far more patriotic about England than I am about America. I’m unapologetic about this.