England 1-1 USA - Red-Faced Green Gives America One Spill to Cheer About

SO, there's only one place we can kick-off - the 2010 Fifa World Cup has landed in South Africa and barely a weekend into the tournament, the country has descended into its usual sense of doom and gloom after a somewhat predictable (and really not too shabby) draw against the US of A.



Yes, Green’s error was a shocker, and the performance of the team generally was below-par, but England didn’t lose. If things don’t improve against Algeria and Slovenia, however, expect my generosity and optimism to quickly evaporate. If only the 4-4-2 formation, and Emile Heskey, were as easy to dispel. I would like to see Bruno on the bench (I don’t think I’m the only one) and for England to adopt a 4-3-3, with Rooney alone up front, with Lennon and Cole either side of him. The midfield of Gerrard, Lampard and Barry picks itself, assuming all are fully fit.

Green

Johnson King Terry Cole

Barry

Lampard Gerrard

Lennon Cole

Rooney

Not only would this finally (or hopefully) stop England lumping long, aimless balls forward and get them playing some football, it would also get the best out of the three key players – Lampard, Gerrard and most importantly Rooney. They play these roles for their clubs, and so it should be nothing new to them. Granted, three points against Algeria is essential, but there’s no harm in starting this way and seeing how it pans out – Gerrard can always go up top to make it a more recognisable 4-4-2 if Green has one of his moments. And yes, Green is worth sticking with, simply because the goalkeeper is too important a position to keep chopping and changing at a World Cup. Anyway, Algeria won’t be targeting him too much – especially after their keeper’s laughable performance in the 1-0 defeat to Slovenia.

I’ll now take off my manager’s cap and pass it to you guys, so feel free to praise, criticise (gently!) and share your feelings about what you’ve seen so far at this World Cup!