England 3, Israel 0
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by Foolsgold
The Three Lions led by their inspirational leader, Steven Gerrard, easily brushed aside Israel and garnered three crucial points to better their position to advance to the 2008 European Championship.
The first half was thoroughly dominated by Gerrard, Gareth Barry, and Joe Cole, who had little problems controlling and keeping the ball in the Israel half though their efforts were nearly undermined by lackluster efforts from Emile Heskey, Michael Owen, and Shaun Wright-Phillips. Heskey clearly showed he has no right to wear the shirt as he threw away opportunity after opportunity gifted to him from his teammates. Michael Owen wasn't much better and Shaun Wright-Phillips somehow figured out how to lose possession nearly every time he got a touch.
Gerrard was clearly the catalyst and the heart of the England squad and nothing showed that more than a brilliant long ball pass down the right that found Ashley Cole and began the sequence of events that resulted in his sides first goal. The Chelsea left back than cleverly flicked it back to his club and country teammate, Joe Cole, who after gaining composure, lobbed the ball across the box to an awaiting Shaun Wright-Phillips. The diminutive Blues winger finished the job with class by redirecting it into the upper left of the net, leaving the Israeli keeper, Aouate, absolutely no chance of a denial.
Within minutes after the second half began, Michael Owen made up for his less than stellar first half, with a stunning strike that was reminiscent of his world class days at Liverpool. Gathering an exceptional pass from Barry at the top of the box, Owen turned and slammed it into the back right-side of the net before Aouate had any chance to properly react.
After that, the match was clearly over, as England eased their attack with a guaranteed three points for their qualifying group. A hobbled Gerrard was left to wallow around the half-line and Barry was pushed forward to instigate aggression.
The third goal came from a splendid corner from Barry which found Micah Richards in the 66th minute and the three goal cushion was enough to allow McClaren the comfort of taking out Gerrard. Though Israel didn't exactly give up at any moment in the match, they were clearly outclassed and were never a threat to score.
My man of the match is Gareth Barry. Not only for the two assists, but his performance was flawless throughout as I felt he easily earned his place. Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard were phenomenal in the first half, but as the game worn on, their efforts diminished and gave way to error and more than likely fatigue and injury. Barry though seemed to get better as the game wore on.
I'm not sure what is going to happen on Wednesday versus Russia, but I'm hoping Heskey is sent back to Wigan. Hopefully McClaren will team Crouch and Owen, if he thinks the Newcastle striker will be able to go. If Barry performs as he did today, they probably won't need Gerrard, though I'm not sure who you would team with the Aston Villa captain. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what McClaren has up his sleeve, but I still think he should have to get the win to save his job.
Originally posted here
