England won against club side Platinum Stars 3-0, in their last run out before the World Cup match against the U.S.A on Saturday, and thankfully we have had no fresh injury worries. It was a simple win, played at half pace and very laid back.
There was an encouragingly good linkup between Wayne Rooney (who played 45 minutes) and Joe Cole (the full 90) the former setting the latter up for England’s second goal Joe Cole playing on the left allowed Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard to play together in the centre of midfield. Gerrard played in a much deeper role – basically Barry’s role – which gave Lampard free reign to stay up with the strikers. Gerrard set up Jermaine Defoe for the opening goal.
Joe Hart started in goal (though it doesn’t count as an England start as it isn’t a full international) Joe Hart got the nod to start in goal before being replaced by Robert Green at the interval, but a limited Platinum Stars side meant neither had the chance to shine. Glen Johnson gave away a Penalty, which was blazed over the Crossbar.
Capello will have other issues to address, with both Peter Crouch and Emile Heskey producing undistinguished performances in each of their 45-minute stint as they battle to partner Rooney.
England romped to victory in a low-key affair – but hardly enough to set the pulses racing before their World Cup campaign gets under way against United States on 12 June.
