England strode to a comfortable 4-0 victory over a poor Slovakia side at Wembley tonight. The site editor pompeyrug was there but has not submitted a report so we try to review the game from the armchair.
Let us look at the Pompey players in particular –
David James – made two very good saves after spending most of the 45 minutes thinking of joining the unemployment queue. Sadly Ben Foster who replaced James at half-time had little chance to prove his worth as the visitors rarely came within his sights. Fabio Capello picked out the two saves from Jamo as crucial in his post match interview.
Glen Johnson played the full 90 minutes and looks so accomplished now at right back. Rarely troubled by the Slovakian raiders and found time to forage forward with good effect. A very good confident performance from the England right back for many years to come.
Peter Crouch came on at the end of the first half after injuries to both Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole. Capello obviously did not want to use the Pompey striker after he had struggled during week with a tight calf muscle.
In the second half Peter played with great confidence and was unlucky not to score when his goal bound header was knocked over the line by John Terry who was standing in an offside position. Worryingly Peter picked up a knock on the hip when being challenged by Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel. He was withdrawn in the last yen minutes as a precaution.
England will need him on Wednesday for the World Cup qualifier with the Ukraine at Wembley but more importantly Pompey need him next Saturday at Hull!! Capello seemed to think Crouchie would be OK for the next game.
Confidence seemed to ooze through the Pompey stars performances something which they did not show in England`s last game in Madrid. That was not however mirrored by Stewart Downing who plays for fellow strugglers Middlesbrough, every touch of the ball was nervous and every cross hit the front man if it got that far. I think this shows how much happier the Pompey players are how under their new management at club and country.
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