Rooney Off, England Start To Play!

Interesting. Rooney has not scored in 10 internationals now and, to be frank was dire in the World Cup. Yet he was always the first name on the team sheet and Capello played him in every minute of the meaningless friendlies building up to the World Cup, ignoring the opportunity to explore Plan B.

Well we tried Plan A and Plan B tonight, both featuring Rooney and promptly found ourselves a goal behind and looking toothless. Then, with Rooney withdrawn so he could have a quick fag and Zamora, of all people, leading the line alone, we suddenly started to play. Gerrard suddenly had space to operate in, with Rooney no longer getting in the way, and we saw what he could have achieved in the World Cup had Capello heeded the advice of every pundit in the game. But no, he stuck with 4-4-2 with Gerrard wide left and Rooney misfiring. Will Capello publicly admit to a serious error of judgement? No chance!

Meanwhile, God clearly wants the guy sacked. What are the odds of having a goal disallowed that DID cross the line followed, next match, by an opposition goal being awarded that didn't cross the line? Amazing!

Adam Johnson looked good tonight. Gerrard, when used appropriately, scored two great goals. Gibbs did ok. Zammo very nearly scored twice. Hart looked like an England keeper. Ashley Young looked confident. We are going to win the next World Cup!