We saw the ability and the limitations of the England players on show tonight, clearly they can play, and despite performances under previous managers, they can play in different formations and tactical approaches. But it also looks like they can’t do it without clear and strong leadership from the bench. Eriksson looked disinterested, McLaren just looked bewildered, Capello just looks like he takes every tactical gaff, piece of poor play or decision that goes against us as a personal affront, he doesn’t just hang his head but becomes animated and whilst there may not be too many opportunities for the players to see what’s going happening on the bench, they will know that they have someone who, appears at least, to care as much as they do about what’s going on and seems to have engendered the confidence in them that he will have answers for them, not just questions. After an opening that was just what every team on the road looks for, an early goal, we let them show their technical ability in the area of the field where it could hurt us, and it did. It was a great goal, but we showed all through the second half that there was no reason why we should have conceded, simply press them 25 yards further up the field, even if the midfield gets a little pulled out of shape, as long as the back four is still in position then the threat should still be dealt with. The expectation was that someone would come a cropper in Minsk and whilst we have overcome this hurdle I suspect we have done it at the cost of lessening the chance of anyone else tripping up by giving a blueprint to other teams going there.
How odd is it to say that Emil Heskey, four goals in 50 appearances, deserves his place ahead of Michael Owen? I have to say I would still have Owen in the squad but you simply can’t start him ahead of Rooney or Heskey at the moment.
That’s it for the next six months as far as qualification games are concerned and it will be interesting to see Capello’s approach to the intervening games, will he want to continue the momentum, will he want to try different tactical approaches, will he feel the need to play other players who might be pushing for a place? Whatever he chooses to do I think more people will be watching than has been the case for many years.