England go Dutch in Sofia

It was a curious treat to watch England in Sofia. I am currently in the Netherlands till the end of the year, and so naturally had to watch the Oranje strut their stuff against European whipping boys San Marino on the telly. However, being forever partial to the Three Lions, I was watching them simultaneously on my laptop show off their brand new Umbro away kit.

That the Dutch were able to play two debutants, who linked up beautifully for their team’s 11th goal, and eased to an emphatic victory without requiring the services of Rafael van der Vaart, Nigel de Jong, Arjen Robben, or Ibrahim Afellay should concern rivals as the men in orange stroll confidently toward automatic qualification for the European Champions next summer.

Most interesting about these two matches, however, were their starting formations. Formations? some of you might say. I must admit that I was puzzled when I saw England’s starting line-up. Parker and Barry in the heart of their midfield was a strange choice, and one that I feared could signal a very defensive England side for a match that they desperately needed to win to put them three points clear at the top of Group G. Little did I know that I was looking at the same formation that Bert van Marwijk had fielded: two defensive midfielders to shield their back four, allowing an attacking quartet comprised of Dirk Kuyt, Robin van Persie, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, and Wesley Sneijder. Only England’s quartet were led by the very-much-so in-form Wayne Rooney and supported by Theo Walcott, Ashley Young, and Stuart Downing.

A year ago, and these four would have raised eyebrows. Walcott, struggling with injury and dropped for the World Cup, along with the previously disappointing duo (on the international stage) of Young and Downing in the starting line up in a “must win” game would have had pundits calling for Capello’s head. I’m not saying that Capello’s off the hook… I am one of those that firmly thinks he’s done enough to warrant a sacking at any other footballing institution, but he’s pushing this England squad closer to automatic qualification for a tournament they missed out on four years ago. My has the squad come a long way.

It will be no surprise to regular Soccer Reviews readers that I am not a fan of Gareth Barry, but I do owe him an apology. His performance against Bulgaria was reminiscent of the player that made him must-have toward the end of his career at Villa Park. Combining superbly with the ever solid Scott Parker, they protected a new-look England back four. I do think that Gary Cahill, barring injury, will keep hold of his position as John Terry’s partner in central defence – his performance against Bulgaria would not warrant anything else.It was brave of Capello to start Smalling at right back, but he’s done well for United this season, and although he did show nerves in the first half (who wouldn’t on their England debut?), he pulled together a very decent second half performance that will have most Three Lions fans’s mouths watering for the Smalling-Bale battle come Tuesday.

Downing and Young will have done nothing wrong to continually confirm their belief that they can be (and are) England’s top wingers at the moment. Downing has been top notch for Liverpool this season, and Young has, well… he’s brought his talent from Villa Park to Old Trafford and after a couple of games in pre-season where he looked like he was still adjusting to life as a top player at a top club, he looks like he’s at home. For Manchester United. For England. Young selflessly gifted Rooney with his second, and Downing himself was unlucky not to get a goal in the second half when his header hit the far post. Walcott’s performance itself was nothing to write home about, but his pace and trickery will always threaten sides. When Steven Gerrard returns to full fitness and form, I don’t think Walcott will be in the squad.

There’s not much I can say about Wayne Rooney that hasn’t been said about him. He looks very very impressive this season and I can only wish him, and Manchester United fans who adore him, the very best because watching him struggle for patches of last season was very painful.

People will be talking today about Frank Lampard’s exclusion from the starting line-up. Apparently it’s the first time in like nine years that neither Lampard nor Gerrard started for the Three Lions, and I’m not entirely concerned. I’m sure Lampard still has a role to play, but he will be very fortunate to make England’s squad for Poland & Ukraine next summer. With Wilshere and Gerrard to come back, Barry and Parker evidently doing well for England, and the likes of Barton given a breath of fresh air in London, along with Tom Cleverley finding his feet at Manchester United, it is hard to see where Lampard will play in. That will not bode well for some Chelsea fans, but I think it might be worth taking some time off England and focusing on his last years at Chelsea, where he continues to score. His omission from the starting line up was a symbolic gesture from Capello, whether he intended it or not. This is the start of a new England. Cleverley and Jones left out of the squad, but surely to feature shortly. Bent out because of injury. These are lots of faces that are more than capable of stepping up for England, and I’d like to see a couple of them play against Wales tomorrow night.

Kick off is at 19.45 BST

And for those of you who might be interested, just a bit of fun. Joey Barton’s starting 11 for England on Twitter: “My team would be Hart, Smalling, Jones, Cahill, A.Cole, Wilshere, Barton, Young, Downing, Gerrard, Rooney. #worldbeaters” World beaters indeed!