England Beat Germany in Berlin
Fabio Capello’s England Defeat Germany in the Olympic Stadium
Nov 20, 2008
With a number of key members missing through injury it was a chance for fringe players and young hopefuls to stake a claim in the squad that will compete for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. And the performance in Berlin not only highlighted England’s ability to perform with more freedom away from the pressures of Wembley, but also the quality in depth of the squad.
The starting line up looked threadbare with only three players on the team sheet, David James, John Terry and Gareth Barry, who would be likely to be named in a first XI, but given the chance to impress the second string turned in an accomplished performance to defeat a side ranked second in the FIFA standings. Michael Carrick was impressive in the middle, dictating play with precision passes and the pace of Gabriel Agbonlahor caused the German rearguard all manner of problems.
West Ham’s Matthew Upson, grabbing his first goal for his country, was another player to catch the eye, resolute in defence, commanding in the air and worthy of his Man of the Match accolade. He formed a strong partnership with captain John Terry who once again showed his leadership qualities with a brave and determined header to score the winner from Stewart Downing’s superbly flighted free kick.
Capello opted for a 4-4-2 formation with Downing and the tireless Shaun Wright-Phillips occupying the flanks. England moved the ball well and, particularly in the first half dominated possession. Going into the break with a 1-0 advantage there was always a question mark whether a relatively inexperienced side would be able maintain the pressure in the second half and keep Germany at bay. Their resilience was put in doubt when indecision and lack of communication between Terry and substitute goal keeper Scott Carson lead to the home sides equaliser.
The mistake was a blot on England’s otherwise faultless performance and though Terry gallantly accepted full responsibility for the error after the game, it raised question marks over the capabilities of a future potential England number one and would have done nothing for the young stoppers confidence. After his mistake around this time last year against Croatia which effectively cost England their place in Euro 2008, another mistake leading to a goal was the last thing the West Brom man needed. To his credit though, he made a couple of good saves later on that on a greasy pitch in blustery conditions could so easily have caused him further embarrassment.
England currently top their group and have all but forged their passage to the World Cup finals and a win against the old foe in their own back yard will do wonders for their confidence. Had they been more fortune, the scoreline might have been a bigger margin. Darren Bent slipped at the vital moment with an open goal at his mercy and Wright-Phillips struck the upright with a thunderous effort from outside the area late on. There is no doubt that Capello has got his men playing quality football and providing he finds the right balance when he has a full squad at his disposal, the future of England’s national team looks very bright indeed.
