John Lennon become a staunch left wing activist during his post Beatles days.
His namesake was doing the opposite to Croatia last night as he left the Croatian left back, Pranjic, feeling like a ‘Nowhere Man’ at times.
The challenge, by Josip Simunic made him look more like a night tripper than a “Day Tripper’.
Fabio Capello will not stretch further than saying ‘I Feel Fine’ after last night’s performance, but the England fans certainly need a ‘Ticket to Ride’ to South Africa now.
The second England goal was a delicious ‘From Me to You’ between Lennon and Steven Gerrard, and for England fans ‘Across the Universe’ it was time to celebrate.
Croatia were shouting ‘Help’ after only nine minutes. Slaven Bilic’s pre match comments about knowing England’s weaknesses were soon “Instant Khama’ in what can only be described as a ‘Hard Day’s Night’ for the team from the Adriatic.
Steve McLlaren can take note that ‘All You Need is Love’ in the England camp and it really can all ‘Come Together’.
Fabio Capello’s ‘Revolution’ is definetly in full swing and for the first time ‘In My Life’ I can see really see the ‘Wheels Go Round and Round’.
OK so that last one was pretty weak.
I could go on all night, but I won’t…
There are so many positives to come from last night’s performance at Wembley.
The media will always find negative aspects, but that will not bother Fabio Capello.
People will point out that the teams in England’s group are weak, but as I stated in a recent blog, this was the only qualifying group to features three teams ranked in the world’s top twenty at the start of play.
England’s goal difference of plus twenty six is astonishing in any one’s book.
I heard some critics saying Croatia were a poor side, but only 14 months ago, people were building this team up as potential European Champions.
Last night, England played in a ‘very English way’ obviously just to annoy Slaven Bilic, who seems to think he is a bit more special than he is.
The former West Ham defender is quite popular with the press, but I personally still remember his outrageous play acting to get Laurent Blanc sent off in the 1998 World Cup semi final. I still find it difficult to warm to him.
The old chestnut of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard not being able to play together was well and truly put to bed last night.
Special credit should go the Chelsea midfield star. He has adjusted his attacking instinct to become more of a defensive midfielder who occasionally motors into the opposition box.
The system is working, because Gerrard can drift and link up with Rooney. The scouse pair are England’s two most gifted players. It makes sense that they should be utilised in more free roles.
Much has been said about England’s right side, but it was outstanding last night.
Glen Johnson has been in for some unfair criticism in recent weeks, but Capello obviously trusts him. He was terrific last night and defended well too.
Johnson's wide play for Lampard’s second goal shows just what the Liverpool man can offer.
Emile Heskey’s contribution to the team needs to be analysed objectively. He is not in the team for his goals.
It is frustrating when he misses easy chances, but England have won eight out of eight
qualifiers with the Aston Villa man leading the line in six of those wins.
The 31 year old is there to drag defenders away and create space for Gerrard, Rooney and Lampard. I am sick and tired of people saying Crouch or Defoe should play. Remember that Wayne Rooney has been the top scorer in qualifying, so Heskey seems to be the perfect foil.
If it is not fixed it should be broken.
The stand out performer on the night was Aaron Lennon. But he is one of the few players in the team who not assured of their starting place.
The winger has been playing very well for Tottenham in the early stages of the season, and last night he showed how much he has improved.
His crossing and his running off the ball were terrific. And if this season’s evidence is anything to go by, his finishing has improved too.
The former Leeds player will be 23 come South Africa and is a real threat, but England have an embarrassment of riches on the right side of midfield.
Other options include Sean Wright-Phillips, David Beckham, of course, and the very similar Theo Walcott.
I believe that Walcott or Lennon will start the opening game in South Africa. It just depends on who is in the best form at that time. There is not a lot to choose between them.
I was listening to BBC Five Live on Monday night, and Ian McGarra of the Sun said he believed England have six world class players.
Robbie Savage, a proud Welshman said ‘Who are they then?’ McGarra replied by listing Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney. Savage reluctantly agreed.
I agree too. If you picked a world squad of 23 comprising of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and four strikers, then I certainly think five of those players would get in. Rio Ferdinand may be the exception as he seems to be becoming very injury prone.
The Italian coach certainly has a very talented pool of players. It’s just important that key players stay fit.
Before the 2002 World Cup, both Beckham and Gerrard got injured.
During Euro 2004, Rooney limped off in the quarter finals after being the player of the tournament.
In 2006, the Manchester United star was injured before the tournament and was not fit, while Michael Owen hobbled out in the group stages.
If all the key players do stay fit, then I believe England have a great chance.
Roll on South Africa…
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