Spineless Steve may have taken the route that many expected – some would say the easy route – and kept Paul Robinson between the sticks for England ahead of David James, which was a slight disappointment as no matter what anyone tells me I still fully believe that James is the best English keeper around at the moment, something that Graham Taylor also believes – anyone that read what he said in the papers yesterday will have seen his views.
Nevertheless, this aside it was still a very good day for English sport, one of the best for a long time I would say?
Things kicked off with the cricket, England and India went into the final one-day international looked at 3-3. Could the 7th and deciding match see England’s new one-day captain Paul Collingwood end his winless start to his reign – you bet it could. A fine England showing saw them cruise to a 7-wicket victory to beat the Indian’s with time to spare before the football.
Unfortunately the football, England’s Euro 2008 qualifier with Israel clashed with the Rugby world cup match England had with the mighty USA, although after the hosts France slipped to a surprise defeat to Argentina – who are not a bad side – on Friday I was not taking too much for granted, although never doubted we would win.
I only saw little offerings of the Rugby – whilst flicking channels – but did see a try from Jason Robinson, but from what I can gather England were very disappointing and far from convincing in their 28-10 victory over a willing yet limited in ability USA side, but it is still a win – improvement is needed though.
To the football then, to be honest I have not enjoyed watching England for a long time, but must admit I quite enjoyed the game and though that we played quite well, some people better than others, but on the whole a good team performance. Emile Heskey, Gareth Barry, Micah Richards and the top man of all Shaun Wright-Phillips stood out above the rest for me.
Sadly from a British point of view only Scotland out of the other home nations could win, the others all lost with the Republic of Ireland being pegged back in injury time.
Although I was disappointed that James did not get the nod over Robinson, something which will quite possibly not happen for him now, it is hard too be that down cast after a good day for English sport – either way though, roll on next Saturday when Pompey return to action.
PLAY UP POMPEY!
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