Come on England!

Wednesday, 23/06/2010

England have won. We're in the last 16 of the World Cup and we are all celebrating.

The dismal - sorry, excruciating performances - in the first two group games are all forgotten about. Well, actually, they're not! I have just mentioned them.

England only beat Slovenia 1-0. I'll give you that they certainly deserved the victory. I'll even concede that we were a tad unfortunate against the USA, that we suffered a sucker punch due to Rob Green's disastrous blunder. But there is no excuse for that absolutely terrible goal-less draw against Algeria.

England have gone through as second in their World Cup group. Remember that when the draw was made the headlines were all screaming that this was an easy group, one England should walk through. We didn't walk, we barely staggered.

Now the real test begins. It's the old foe, Germany. Please, please, let's pray it's not penalities. Or there again if we hold out for another draw and get penalties we might have a chance.

There again the real England might turn up for a game against the Germans. Our players who promise so much might actually be able to deliver when the cards really are down on the table and ready to fall on the floor.

James Milner, who should not have taken to the pitch for our first match as he was drained of energy after illness, proved against Slovenia that he could be deadly for us.

There were signs that Rooney and Gerrard have an almost telepathic connection. John Terry risked life and limb, Matt Upson got in some more than useful blocks, and Glen Johnson grew in stature.

Jermain Defoe did what he is best at - grabbed a chance with the ability of a natural striker. Ashley Cole was, yet again, one of our best players. I might be tempting fate here - but David James looked safe as well. Oh, and Lampard proved he can play alongside Gerrard. Gareth Barry might not have had his best game for England, but he still performed. And Joe Cole got a run out!

All I have to say is... let's remember back to September 1, 2001. You remember that day don't you? Here's a reminder. It was a World Cup qualifier. It was in Germany. England won 5-1. History can repeat itself...

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