I’m no England fan but I have to say their impressive win over Argentina last Saturday was one of the more entertaining matches I have seen in a long time.
But the English media have done their usual and have turned the friendly win into “proof” England are going to walk the World Cup, a couple of short months after they were all no-hopers having lost 1-0 to Northern Ireland.
The BBC even had Sir Geoff Hurst on their sports bulletin with the World Cup trophy this morning, just in case we all hadn't got the message.
Reality check folks, this England team ain’t winning a thing.
Ok, they won on Saturday against a very good team, but those two late Michael Owen goals rather gloss over the fact that England were outplayed for most of the match by a vastly superior technical side.
The standout players, apart from the terrific Wayne Rooney were all Argies. Richelme, Tevez, Maxi Rodriguez and Sorin were the players who contributed most of the dash and flair to the game, providing an exhibition of passing and movement few European sides could match.
England’s tactic of getting the ball early to Rooney won’t work against a team with quick centre backs. Argentina’s obvious weakness was exposed to good effect certainly but they can’t rely on the boy wonder having a blinder 8 games in a row.
And this is England’s problem and the reason they won’t win. They do have a very good side, but in a run of 8 matches they will always chuck in a Northern Ireland performance.
Even if they do play consistently, they have Brazil, Holland, Argentina, Italy and the Czech Republic (almost certainly) to deal with. They might just get beaten on the day by a better team.
One things for sure, it’s going to be annoying. We all know that the press will be acting as if the trophy is already won until that almost inevitable quarter final gubbing is handed out.
Given that Scotland won’t be there, England’s ignominious exit is the “World Cup moment” we’re all already looking forward to the most.
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