Owen Sparkles as England down Russia 3-0
| 7
|
by Jgiuffra
It was another must win night for McLaren’s men at Wembley yeaterday…and this time there was no disappointment. Mclaren named an unchanged side to face the Russians in an aid to add stability to the England set-up. It was the first time in over 3 years ago that England played back to back games with the same squad.
Nerves were settled in the first 10 minutes as England scored early. Gareth Barry—Frank who?—sent a dipping cross to the middle of the 6 yard box toward the waiting Owen. The mini magician had time to control it and send it past the helpless Russian goalkeeper, Vyacheslav Malafeev, and off the inside of the right post into the back of the net. The next goal was set up by journeyman Emile Heskey who seems to have found his way home as of late. He rose between the two Russian centre-halfs just after the half-hour mark and knocked down a header into the path of an unmarked and soon to be Saint Michael. Owen dispatched it with class past the Russian keeper into the top-left of the goal. Heskey could have had a goal of his own in the 17 th minute but for a heroic save from Russians’ #1. The keeper had to put his body on the line to stop the stampeding Heskey adding to his England goal tally.
England had to weather a storm at the beginning of the 2 nd half as Hiddink made some changes and filled his demoralised troops with self-belief as he does so well. England’s defence held firm with the midfield tracking back to cover the back 4 with great vigour. Owen topped off his night by assisting Rio Ferdinand in what can only be described as the most unlikely goal scored by an English centre-back. Owen played it into big Rio’s feet who then went all striker on us by faking out the defender and finishing at the near post with a low screamer past the keeper (who in all honesty should have better).
It was great to see the whole midfield play together as a unit rather than a group of individual stars. I would have to say Lampard, Carrick, Hargreaves and last and certainly least, David Beckham were not missed in the slightest last night. Barry with his efficient distribution of the ball and Gerrard with his unstoppable energy commanded the centre of the park and barely allowed Russia a look in. Sean Wright-Phillips has made his selection for the starting XI a no-brainer for McLaren. Joe Cole was as industrious as ever on the left flank and barring injury, secured his spot as well—sorry Downing. Micah Richards gets better every match—enough said. We may have seen the last of Gary Neville for England too. Phil will have to carry the flag for the both of them. Robinson only had a couple of saves to make and, phew, he made them. England’s defensive quality was such that Robinson had very little to do.
In all, it was a good night of football for the 3 Lions…long may it continue.
