A 4-1 victory over Croatia should provide some much needed impetus to England’s World Cup qualifying campaign. It must be hoped that this triumph can help to dispel the nervous sterility which has underpinned displays over recent years.
England made a shaky start and experienced a few panicky moments at the back. However they improved as the half progressed, enjoying significant periods of possession and allowing Croatia little sight of goal. It was in fact England who made the breakthrough late in the half. A defensive blunder let in Theo Walcott: his diagonal shot across goal found the corner of the net.
If the key objective in the second-half was to retain this lead, this was soon revised following Robert Kovac’s dismissal for a reckless aerial challenge on Joe Cole. Croatia appeared to lose heart which enabled England to dominate the remainder of the game and pursue more goals. Walcott scored a second with another angled drive after being played in by Wayne Rooney. Rooney added a third himself but then, frustratingly, Croatia managed a consolation from a breakaway effort, although play should have been stopped for a high challenge on John Terry. Walcott’s final goal, completing his hat-trick, was perhaps the most pleasing: he retained his composure after a surging run at goal and slotted the ball left-footed under Pletikosa.
This was a good performance by England: they measured up to Croatia in the first-half and played with vigour and purpose. The desire to get carried away by this performance should be resisted though. It is likely that England were flattered by the conditions in the second-half, facing a diminished and dispirited Croatia. If Croatia had retained a full-side then the outcome could have been very different.
However, the future does look somewhat brighter following this win. In addition to three high quality goals, Walcott demonstrated pace and attacking verve on the right. It was refreshing to see an English right-sided midfielder taking on defenders near the goal-line, as the sight of a trademark Beckham ‘delivery’ from near the halfway line has almost become ingrained in the national consciousness. Walcott’s pace from midfield is a much needed addition to what has been England’s rather limited attacking repertoire. The defence also looked strong enough in this game, and up front Rooney and Heskey did enough between them to suggest that this is a combination worth developing. Capello seems to have provided a solid tactical framework from which England can progress. Whilst the details may require scrutiny, calls for root and branch change should be kept at bay – for the time being at least.
9 Theo Walcott: scored three and provided a key attacking outlet on the right.
8 Wayne Rooney: not particularly influential in the first-half, but began to enjoy the space after Croatia went down to ten men.
7 Rio Ferdinand: Reassuring presence at the centre of defence.
7 Wes Brown: Untroubled at right-back.
7 Ashley Cole: Had a wobbly start but settled into the game to shackle Srna.
7 Frank Lampard: Highly efficient – and disallowed goal was quite special.
7 Emile Heskey: Toiled up front for the team, allowing others to shine.
7 Jermaine Jenas: Accomplished display, after coming on for the injured Joe Cole.6 Gareth Barry: Steady enough but allowed Croatia space at times to run at the back four.
6 Joe Cole: Pretty anonymous in the first-half; injured early in the second.
6 John Terry: Some poor distribution and less commanding than Ferdinand.4 David James: Inspired little confidence on the few occasions he was called into action.