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WORLD CUP BLOG: So what did we learn from that?

Published date: 12 June 2010 |
Published by: Mark Lingard


 

1-1. So what did we learn from that draw with the United States. That we still don't know who the best English goalkeeper is? That the Americans are actually a better side than the vast majority of the British public expected?

I think we learnt that Emile Heskey is absolutely the right man to partner Rooney. He was awesome, won everything, found his man virtually every time, brought opponents into play. The only problem - well obviously, he should have scored.

Still, you're not playing him for his goalscoring exploits. Based on his strike rate he wouldn't make the Scotland team, never mind England.

But look at all the best England performances over the last five years or so , and invariably you will find Heskey partnering someone upfront.

The American side certainly suprised me. They had quality, pace to burn. One obvious question, was that the same Altidore that lumbered around upfront for Hull City last season, finally breaking his goalscoring duck in mid February?

Positives. England actually played quite well. Better than France, who were lacklustre against Uruguay. Negatives, it showed once again that England are only any good when they're on the front foot. At 1-0 they arguably sat back a little and allowed the US back into the game. They simply need to go for the jugular a little for me, not try and keep what they've got. When they try, they look dodgy.

In the second half they were much better. They should qualify as group winners.

Gerrard was very good. Lennon should have got more of the ball, he was causing mayhem. Wright-Phillips flattered to deceive yet again. Rooney looked strong.

Finally, I think we've learnt something very important. The vuvuzela, or whatever it is called, is quite possibly the most annoying instrument in the world. Every game I have watched so far has been spoilt by this annoying whining droning sound which destroys any semblance of atmosphere and upsets our cat.

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