World Cup 2010: England Fumbles at The First Hurdle

England start their World Cup campaign by having to settle with 1 point for their opening match against rivals USA at the Royal Bakokeng Stadium in South Africa. This disappointing result leaves fans in despair but it doesn’t tell the full story.

England started off on a high with a goal after 4 minutes by captain Steven Gerrard set up by Heskey, 1-0. The goal was slick with good passing movement, probably England’s best football all match.

Play started to slow down by England after their early lead, Milner brung down Cherundolo and that was enough for the ref to brandish the first yellow card of the evening. Milner was subsequently subbed 5 minutes after the incident stopping the risk of him picking up his second yellow which would leave him missing the next 3 games and England playing with 10 men. Cherundolo was carded for a foul after 39 minutes.

Then disaster struck. 40 minutes, England’s goalkeeper stops a relative easy shot from USA striker Dempsey but fumbles the ball dropping it into his own net, 1-1. USA are back in the game. For the last 5 minutes of the first half England quicken up their game to try and get a quick counter strike but to no prevail.

Half time – it is understood that taking Green off would probably end his world cup carrier there and then as it would be the final blow for him.

Due to this he is kept on but Ledley King has been subbed off for Jamie Carragher due to whats seems to be a knee injury. Play is under for no more than 1 minute and the USA pick up their 2nd yellow card of the game, going to DeMerit.

England has many chances but the off-side flag keeps getting shown. On a play back it is definite that England striker Heskey was onside after being flagged up for being be-hind the USA defence. The second half is more of the same, hoofing the ball upfront by England hoping for some luck.

It doesn’t work leaving England with a 1-1 draw against the USA.

For me England lacked the lust, passion and drive to do well or even win. It felt like they thought they would breeze this match and their group. Hopefully this is a good wake-up call for them to but on their try hard boots and get stuck in. You never no they may end up even winning it this time, they certainly have a good enough squad to do it. They just need someone to sparkle a bit and pull the team along with them.