England

England, England, England. Disappointing. My recollections of the match are a touch hazy at times, especially the later parts of the second half, a by product of going to the pub without eating prior.

Beautiful start despite itv's best efforts to block out the goal, reminiscent of the Everton goal in extra time against Liverpool where again a rogue advert spoiled the party. A wonderful goal, well taken, beautifully weighted pass. Heskey had the best game last night, won everything in the air, held the ball well, passing was good, maybe could have done better against Howard but that was a small blip in an impressive game. Steven Gerrard again shows he's a composed finisher, as he's shown time and again for Liverpool, very natural, calm and cool in front of goal. He had a competent game unlike his midfield partner who was the polar opposite of his Chelsea persona. Where at stamford bridge he's driven, assertive on the ball and clever in possession, for England Lampard was slow, ponderous and wasteful, it's a sorry state of affairs that we're back to the Lampard/Gerrard axis of evil four years later. What difference a Scott Parker, an Owen Hargreaves or a fit Gareth Barry would've made. Someone to break up play and hopefully put their foot on the ball and just calm it down make intelligent short passes.

Having seen Messi earlier in the day looking fresh and exciting who wasn't hoping for a similar performance from Rooney, whilst not poor he was frustrating, over enthusiastic and poor first touch. Some wayward passes but a couple of moments of inventiveness show what England lack elsewhere on the pitch especially when Joe Cole isn't playing. Why SWP instead of Cole?

Is King a risk too far? Could Carragher play any slower? I think he's a worry, some of those challenges that go unpunished at Anfield are going to get him booked.

The USA, certainly shouldn't have been anything to worry about, their strong, athletic but a touch limited, with players coming for such a young league that shouldn't surprise, but I think they played a game plan well and kept up a fast tempo which never let England settle. Both sides were wasteful in possession, far too many misplaced passes especially in the middle of the park. Bradley had a good game, Donovan looks useful but as their marquee player you feel they are a team greater than the sum of their parts.

There's obviously more to come, and in Fabio I still trust, and points to Rob Green for facing the press after that game. Silly boy, silly mistake, is he taking tips from Carson & Robinson?