Richard Lennox

England have finished top of group B following a 2-2 draw with Sweden.  That is the important result from tonight.  England played much better tonight than in the two previous game but still not at the level they are capable of.  The positive is that we topped the group.  There are, in fact, lots of positives to take from tonight.  Hargreaves looked good, despite the criticism, he held the midfield well and let the better players play more freely.  Joe Cole, again England's best player despite getting lost a little in the second half, and what a fantastic goal.  Rooney, managed the best part of 70 minutes, which is a fantastic run out.  Terry again played well and Robinson had a decent game, including a fantastic save onto the bar and couldn't be blamed for the goals.  And finally by topping the group England avoid the home nation.

The huge negative is the injury to Micheal Owen.  A big game player, who will be sorely missed.  It looked awful, and the television pictures clearly show that something popped his knee out of the joint.  If it is serious that leaves a lot of question over how England will shape up for the rest of the World Cup.  Ferdinand, leaving the park also didn't help the England game, but hopefully he has only a tightness in the muscle and will be available for the next game. With Michael Owen out the question is how will England play.  It is set up for a 4-1-4-1 formation but who do you play up front? Is Rooney capable of being the sole outlet?  He plays excelently as the link between midfiled but I think he needs the extra striker to link to.  

The best solution would obviously be to drop Beckham. but that is never going to happen this World Cup or under Micheal Owen.  I just cannot see it! Which is a shame as it may cost England the chance of winning the World Cup.   

There is still work to be done.

I must admit I am really disappointed by the ITV coverage.  The only good thing about it was the  three, honest, straight talking, experienced managers as pundits.  But the rest of the "production" was a joke.  While the cameras and pictures are the responsibility of the Germans, they were awful.  Please show the game.  That is no excuse for the awful, cliched commentary coming from Clive Tilsley.  I found myself shouting at the TV telling him to shut up,because very rarely did he commentate on the game, he was in his own little world trying to come up with his negative opinions.  Please bring back the BBC.

More surely to come on the ongoing England saga.