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Taken from the paper.
David James:
Needed to prove he is the man to take over David Seaman’s No 1 shirt and rarely put a foot wrong on Saturday. Scrambled an early effort around the post and commanded his box in the air. The west ham keeper did not have a lot to do after that but, when called upon, he looked solid and imposing between the posts and marshalled his defence well.
Distribution was good, too – his throw out started the move for England’s goal. Still faces a battle with seaman to start the euro 2004 campaign but Eriksson needs to build for the future and James should be IN for the opening qualifier against Slovakia on October 12.
Danny Mills:
Proved to his critics he can play at this level with some fine performances during the world cup as Gary Neville’s deputy and turned in a soil enough display in the first half on Saturday. Linked well with Leeds team-mate lee bowyer down the right and made some surging runs coming forward – but failed to supply enough crosses into the box after setting up an early chance for heskey. Mills coped with Portugal’s attacking threat with no real problems but he seemed to miss the runs of David beckham, coming deep to get the ball. But both of them should be in the line up against Slovakia next month.
Ashley Cole:
Has had a shaky start to the season with Arsenal and looked decidedly put of sorts on Saturday before he was replaced by Wayne Bridge at half time. Cole was caught leaving too much space behind him on occasions – although he did link well with heskey when he pushed forward down the left. The gunners star started all five of England’s world cup games in Japan and is most people’s favourite to be in the line up against Slovakia next month. But bridge is putting him under more and more pressure and Cole looks like he would do a better job in midfield.
Gareth Southgate:
Won his 50th cap on Saturday, looking assured and confident along side Ferdinand. Did not get a kick at the world cup finals and the Middlesborough defender faces a tough job to nudge sol Campbell out of the way in the England pecking order. Unless the arsenal star is struggling with injury again, Southgate will not start against Slovakia in Bratislava next month. He still looked at home back in the international fold – making his first start since England’s 4-0 victory over Paraguay in April. Nothing got past him and although he should have scored with a second half header, that was the only mistake in 90 minutes.
Rio Ferdinand:
Cool and composed once again, Ferdinand has gone from strength to strength with England. Star man at the world cup and in no way fazed b attacking threat of figo and co on Saturday. Manchester united’s £29.1 million defender needed to keep a close on pauletta – who hit a brilliant hat trick against Poland in the summer – but had him locked up for 45 minutes. His partnership with Southgate showed no real weakness and, fitness permitting, it is surely just a question of who plays alongside him at the back against Slovakia and for years to come.
Steven Gerrard:
Heartbroken at missing the world cup through injury, Liverpool’s Midfielder reclaimed his place in the England engine room with a stylish 45-minute display.
Gerrard was winning only his 11th cap while his anfield teammate Michael Owen, also twenty-two, now has 42 to his name – and he has played in to world cups.
And boss Ericksson will play Gerrard stays free of injury al the way to euro 2004, where he could be a real superstar.
Lee Bowyer:
Finally made his first appearance for England after all his recent problems – and did not want to waste the opportunity.
Bowyer provided cross the for smiths goal – a move they must have worked on 100 times on the Leeds training pitch. Nearly scored with a left footer inside the opening two minutes and almost sneaked an opener with a deflected effort. Could not quite reproduce his Leeds form but, after all the hype surrounding him, deserves the chance to find his feet in international football – on the left, not the right where beckham will start against Slovakia.
Nicky Butt:
One of the big successes of England’s world cup campaign, butt settled down quickly alongside the dominant Gerrard in midfield. The Manchester united star picked out Owen with a brilliant pass early on and went close to grabbing his first international goal after a great run into the box to get on the end of heskey’s pass. Butt is still likely to struggle to hold down a regular place in the midfield when David Beckham and Paul Scholes are available and probably will not make the starting line – up against Slovakia. But he has proven himself Mr reliable when the call comes his way.
Alan Smith:
England’s young lion rammed home a stunning goal before the break to get his international career up and running. Smith’s brilliant header form Leeds’ team – mate bowyers cross flew into the top corner giving the Portuguese keeper vitor bala no chance. The striker 21 burst clear in the opening minutes and was a constant threat to the visitors back – line. Confident and full of running, the Eland road livewire was everywhere early on. Smith even outshone strike – partner Owen with his work – rate and aggression. Could be a real star for England in two years time.
Michael Owen:
A quiet first half for the England skipper who seemed happy to let smith unsettle the Portuguese with all his aggression. But the Liverpool man played a vital part in the goal six minutes before the break when he held up play as England poured forward. Owen collected heskey’s pass with his back to goal and turned his marker brilliantly before feeding bowyer out on the right to set up the chance for smith. Went off after an hour to give Trevor Sinclair a run out, but Owen is England’s best striker and a certainty to lead the attack when the serious stuff gets under way next month.
Emile Heskey:
Shoved out wide on the left by Eriksson once again but bustling heskey still showed his willingness to graft throughout the 90 minutes. The Liverpool striker was involved in some crunching challenges with Fernando couto and just failed to break through the Portugal defence after making a surging run in the early stages. Heskey was also a major threat in the air as he drifted inside to latch on to crosses. Looked far happier when he was switched into a normal striking role when Owen went off after an hour, but smith’s arrival on the scene could mean he will be back out on the flanks for England next time out.
Owen Hargreaves:
Bayern Munich midfield Hargreaves has played in a variety of positions for England and right back does not look his best. He replaced mills at half time and was at fault for Portugal’s equaliser 12 minutes from time when he failed to guard his post. Despite the obvious class, finding a spot for Hargreaves in the England side is a problem for Eriksson. There are so many ahead of him in the pecking order in midfield and he will have to make do with a place on the bench again in Bratislava.
David Dunn:
Blackburn’s midfielder deserved his call up on Saturday and did ok when he made his England debut as a half time replacement for Gerrard. Dunn almost sent Michael Owen clear after linking up well with his skipper, but faded as Portugal built up a head of steam towards the end. He has been a major success as skipper of the under 21 team and Dunn surely has great international future looming ahead of him. But as long as Eriksson has a full squad to choose from, he may have to wait a while to win his second full cap.
Trevor Sinclair:
Went on when butt and bowyer made way after an hour but could not find a way in to the game. Did well at the world cup and, with his explosive pace, could still be an answer down the left side if he is given the chance – but time is running out for him to persuade Eriksson he holds the key.
Joe Cole:
Made another brief appearance for the final half-hour and proved he has made the step up to international class. Replaced bowyer and made an immediate impression by making a chance for heskey. Will not start the next game but he could come of the bench and cause some havoc.
Danny Murphy:
A solid premiership midfield but lacks enough spark to trouble the world’s best. Unlucky to be injured before the world cup and desperate to prove himself to Eriksson, but Murphy had a quiet half – hour after going on for bowyer and it’s difficult to see him starting when the injuries clear up.
David James:
Needed to prove he is the man to take over David Seaman’s No 1 shirt and rarely put a foot wrong on Saturday. Scrambled an early effort around the post and commanded his box in the air. The west ham keeper did not have a lot to do after that but, when called upon, he looked solid and imposing between the posts and marshalled his defence well.
Distribution was good, too – his throw out started the move for England’s goal. Still faces a battle with seaman to start the euro 2004 campaign but Eriksson needs to build for the future and James should be IN for the opening qualifier against Slovakia on October 12.
Danny Mills:
Proved to his critics he can play at this level with some fine performances during the world cup as Gary Neville’s deputy and turned in a soil enough display in the first half on Saturday. Linked well with Leeds team-mate lee bowyer down the right and made some surging runs coming forward – but failed to supply enough crosses into the box after setting up an early chance for heskey. Mills coped with Portugal’s attacking threat with no real problems but he seemed to miss the runs of David beckham, coming deep to get the ball. But both of them should be in the line up against Slovakia next month.
Ashley Cole:
Has had a shaky start to the season with Arsenal and looked decidedly put of sorts on Saturday before he was replaced by Wayne Bridge at half time. Cole was caught leaving too much space behind him on occasions – although he did link well with heskey when he pushed forward down the left. The gunners star started all five of England’s world cup games in Japan and is most people’s favourite to be in the line up against Slovakia next month. But bridge is putting him under more and more pressure and Cole looks like he would do a better job in midfield.
Gareth Southgate:
Won his 50th cap on Saturday, looking assured and confident along side Ferdinand. Did not get a kick at the world cup finals and the Middlesborough defender faces a tough job to nudge sol Campbell out of the way in the England pecking order. Unless the arsenal star is struggling with injury again, Southgate will not start against Slovakia in Bratislava next month. He still looked at home back in the international fold – making his first start since England’s 4-0 victory over Paraguay in April. Nothing got past him and although he should have scored with a second half header, that was the only mistake in 90 minutes.
Rio Ferdinand:
Cool and composed once again, Ferdinand has gone from strength to strength with England. Star man at the world cup and in no way fazed b attacking threat of figo and co on Saturday. Manchester united’s £29.1 million defender needed to keep a close on pauletta – who hit a brilliant hat trick against Poland in the summer – but had him locked up for 45 minutes. His partnership with Southgate showed no real weakness and, fitness permitting, it is surely just a question of who plays alongside him at the back against Slovakia and for years to come.
Steven Gerrard:
Heartbroken at missing the world cup through injury, Liverpool’s Midfielder reclaimed his place in the England engine room with a stylish 45-minute display.
Gerrard was winning only his 11th cap while his anfield teammate Michael Owen, also twenty-two, now has 42 to his name – and he has played in to world cups.
And boss Ericksson will play Gerrard stays free of injury al the way to euro 2004, where he could be a real superstar.
Lee Bowyer:
Finally made his first appearance for England after all his recent problems – and did not want to waste the opportunity.
Bowyer provided cross the for smiths goal – a move they must have worked on 100 times on the Leeds training pitch. Nearly scored with a left footer inside the opening two minutes and almost sneaked an opener with a deflected effort. Could not quite reproduce his Leeds form but, after all the hype surrounding him, deserves the chance to find his feet in international football – on the left, not the right where beckham will start against Slovakia.
Nicky Butt:
One of the big successes of England’s world cup campaign, butt settled down quickly alongside the dominant Gerrard in midfield. The Manchester united star picked out Owen with a brilliant pass early on and went close to grabbing his first international goal after a great run into the box to get on the end of heskey’s pass. Butt is still likely to struggle to hold down a regular place in the midfield when David Beckham and Paul Scholes are available and probably will not make the starting line – up against Slovakia. But he has proven himself Mr reliable when the call comes his way.
Alan Smith:
England’s young lion rammed home a stunning goal before the break to get his international career up and running. Smith’s brilliant header form Leeds’ team – mate bowyers cross flew into the top corner giving the Portuguese keeper vitor bala no chance. The striker 21 burst clear in the opening minutes and was a constant threat to the visitors back – line. Confident and full of running, the Eland road livewire was everywhere early on. Smith even outshone strike – partner Owen with his work – rate and aggression. Could be a real star for England in two years time.
Michael Owen:
A quiet first half for the England skipper who seemed happy to let smith unsettle the Portuguese with all his aggression. But the Liverpool man played a vital part in the goal six minutes before the break when he held up play as England poured forward. Owen collected heskey’s pass with his back to goal and turned his marker brilliantly before feeding bowyer out on the right to set up the chance for smith. Went off after an hour to give Trevor Sinclair a run out, but Owen is England’s best striker and a certainty to lead the attack when the serious stuff gets under way next month.
Emile Heskey:
Shoved out wide on the left by Eriksson once again but bustling heskey still showed his willingness to graft throughout the 90 minutes. The Liverpool striker was involved in some crunching challenges with Fernando couto and just failed to break through the Portugal defence after making a surging run in the early stages. Heskey was also a major threat in the air as he drifted inside to latch on to crosses. Looked far happier when he was switched into a normal striking role when Owen went off after an hour, but smith’s arrival on the scene could mean he will be back out on the flanks for England next time out.
Owen Hargreaves:
Bayern Munich midfield Hargreaves has played in a variety of positions for England and right back does not look his best. He replaced mills at half time and was at fault for Portugal’s equaliser 12 minutes from time when he failed to guard his post. Despite the obvious class, finding a spot for Hargreaves in the England side is a problem for Eriksson. There are so many ahead of him in the pecking order in midfield and he will have to make do with a place on the bench again in Bratislava.
David Dunn:
Blackburn’s midfielder deserved his call up on Saturday and did ok when he made his England debut as a half time replacement for Gerrard. Dunn almost sent Michael Owen clear after linking up well with his skipper, but faded as Portugal built up a head of steam towards the end. He has been a major success as skipper of the under 21 team and Dunn surely has great international future looming ahead of him. But as long as Eriksson has a full squad to choose from, he may have to wait a while to win his second full cap.
Trevor Sinclair:
Went on when butt and bowyer made way after an hour but could not find a way in to the game. Did well at the world cup and, with his explosive pace, could still be an answer down the left side if he is given the chance – but time is running out for him to persuade Eriksson he holds the key.
Joe Cole:
Made another brief appearance for the final half-hour and proved he has made the step up to international class. Replaced bowyer and made an immediate impression by making a chance for heskey. Will not start the next game but he could come of the bench and cause some havoc.
Danny Murphy:
A solid premiership midfield but lacks enough spark to trouble the world’s best. Unlucky to be injured before the world cup and desperate to prove himself to Eriksson, but Murphy had a quiet half – hour after going on for bowyer and it’s difficult to see him starting when the injuries clear up.
Taken from the paper.
David James:
Needed to prove he is the man to take over David Seaman’s No 1 shirt and rarely put a foot wrong on Saturday. Scrambled an early effort around the post and commanded his box in the air. The west ham keeper did not have a lot to do after that but, when called upon, he looked solid and imposing between the posts and marshalled his defence well.
Distribution was good, too – his throw out started the move for England’s goal. Still faces a battle with seaman to start the euro 2004 campaign but Eriksson needs to build for the future and James should be IN for the opening qualifier against Slovakia on October 12.
Danny Mills:
Proved to his critics he can play at this level with some fine performances during the world cup as Gary Neville’s deputy and turned in a soil enough display in the first half on Saturday. Linked well with Leeds team-mate lee bowyer down the right and made some surging runs coming forward – but failed to supply enough crosses into the box after setting up an early chance for heskey. Mills coped with Portugal’s attacking threat with no real problems but he seemed to miss the runs of David beckham, coming deep to get the ball. But both of them should be in the line up against Slovakia next month.
Ashley Cole:
Has had a shaky start to the season with Arsenal and looked decidedly put of sorts on Saturday before he was replaced by Wayne Bridge at half time. Cole was caught leaving too much space behind him on occasions – although he did link well with heskey when he pushed forward down the left. The gunners star started all five of England’s world cup games in Japan and is most people’s favourite to be in the line up against Slovakia next month. But bridge is putting him under more and more pressure and Cole looks like he would do a better job in midfield.
Gareth Southgate:
Won his 50th cap on Saturday, looking assured and confident along side Ferdinand. Did not get a kick at the world cup finals and the Middlesborough defender faces a tough job to nudge sol Campbell out of the way in the England pecking order. Unless the arsenal star is struggling with injury again, Southgate will not start against Slovakia in Bratislava next month. He still looked at home back in the international fold – making his first start since England’s 4-0 victory over Paraguay in April. Nothing got past him and although he should have scored with a second half header, that was the only mistake in 90 minutes.
Rio Ferdinand:
Cool and composed once again, Ferdinand has gone from strength to strength with England. Star man at the world cup and in no way fazed b attacking threat of figo and co on Saturday. Manchester united’s £29.1 million defender needed to keep a close on pauletta – who hit a brilliant hat trick against Poland in the summer – but had him locked up for 45 minutes. His partnership with Southgate showed no real weakness and, fitness permitting, it is surely just a question of who plays alongside him at the back against Slovakia and for years to come.
Steven Gerrard:
Heartbroken at missing the world cup through injury, Liverpool’s Midfielder reclaimed his place in the England engine room with a stylish 45-minute display.
Gerrard was winning only his 11th cap while his anfield teammate Michael Owen, also twenty-two, now has 42 to his name – and he has played in to world cups.
And boss Ericksson will play Gerrard stays free of injury al the way to euro 2004, where he could be a real superstar.
Lee Bowyer:
Finally made his first appearance for England after all his recent problems – and did not want to waste the opportunity.
Bowyer provided cross the for smiths goal – a move they must have worked on 100 times on the Leeds training pitch. Nearly scored with a left footer inside the opening two minutes and almost sneaked an opener with a deflected effort. Could not quite reproduce his Leeds form but, after all the hype surrounding him, deserves the chance to find his feet in international football – on the left, not the right where beckham will start against Slovakia.
Nicky Butt:
One of the big successes of England’s world cup campaign, butt settled down quickly alongside the dominant Gerrard in midfield. The Manchester united star picked out Owen with a brilliant pass early on and went close to grabbing his first international goal after a great run into the box to get on the end of heskey’s pass. Butt is still likely to struggle to hold down a regular place in the midfield when David Beckham and Paul Scholes are available and probably will not make the starting line – up against Slovakia. But he has proven himself Mr reliable when the call comes his way.
Alan Smith:
England’s young lion rammed home a stunning goal before the break to get his international career up and running. Smith’s brilliant header form Leeds’ team – mate bowyers cross flew into the top corner giving the Portuguese keeper vitor bala no chance. The striker 21 burst clear in the opening minutes and was a constant threat to the visitors back – line. Confident and full of running, the Eland road livewire was everywhere early on. Smith even outshone strike – partner Owen with his work – rate and aggression. Could be a real star for England in two years time.
Michael Owen:
A quiet first half for the England skipper who seemed happy to let smith unsettle the Portuguese with all his aggression. But the Liverpool man played a vital part in the goal six minutes before the break when he held up play as England poured forward. Owen collected heskey’s pass with his back to goal and turned his marker brilliantly before feeding bowyer out on the right to set up the chance for smith. Went off after an hour to give Trevor Sinclair a run out, but Owen is England’s best striker and a certainty to lead the attack when the serious stuff gets under way next month.
Emile Heskey:
Shoved out wide on the left by Eriksson once again but bustling heskey still showed his willingness to graft throughout the 90 minutes. The Liverpool striker was involved in some crunching challenges with Fernando couto and just failed to break through the Portugal defence after making a surging run in the early stages. Heskey was also a major threat in the air as he drifted inside to latch on to crosses. Looked far happier when he was switched into a normal striking role when Owen went off after an hour, but smith’s arrival on the scene could mean he will be back out on the flanks for England next time out.
Owen Hargreaves:
Bayern Munich midfield Hargreaves has played in a variety of positions for England and right back does not look his best. He replaced mills at half time and was at fault for Portugal’s equaliser 12 minutes from time when he failed to guard his post. Despite the obvious class, finding a spot for Hargreaves in the England side is a problem for Eriksson. There are so many ahead of him in the pecking order in midfield and he will have to make do with a place on the bench again in Bratislava.
David Dunn:
Blackburn’s midfielder deserved his call up on Saturday and did ok when he made his England debut as a half time replacement for Gerrard. Dunn almost sent Michael Owen clear after linking up well with his skipper, but faded as Portugal built up a head of steam towards the end. He has been a major success as skipper of the under 21 team and Dunn surely has great international future looming ahead of him. But as long as Eriksson has a full squad to choose from, he may have to wait a while to win his second full cap.
Trevor Sinclair:
Went on when butt and bowyer made way after an hour but could not find a way in to the game. Did well at the world cup and, with his explosive pace, could still be an answer down the left side if he is given the chance – but time is running out for him to persuade Eriksson he holds the key.
Joe Cole:
Made another brief appearance for the final half-hour and proved he has made the step up to international class. Replaced bowyer and made an immediate impression by making a chance for heskey. Will not start the next game but he could come of the bench and cause some havoc.
Danny Murphy:
A solid premiership midfield but lacks enough spark to trouble the world’s best. Unlucky to be injured before the world cup and desperate to prove himself to Eriksson, but Murphy had a quiet half – hour after going on for bowyer and it’s difficult to see him starting when the injuries clear up.
David James:
Needed to prove he is the man to take over David Seaman’s No 1 shirt and rarely put a foot wrong on Saturday. Scrambled an early effort around the post and commanded his box in the air. The west ham keeper did not have a lot to do after that but, when called upon, he looked solid and imposing between the posts and marshalled his defence well.
Distribution was good, too – his throw out started the move for England’s goal. Still faces a battle with seaman to start the euro 2004 campaign but Eriksson needs to build for the future and James should be IN for the opening qualifier against Slovakia on October 12.
Danny Mills:
Proved to his critics he can play at this level with some fine performances during the world cup as Gary Neville’s deputy and turned in a soil enough display in the first half on Saturday. Linked well with Leeds team-mate lee bowyer down the right and made some surging runs coming forward – but failed to supply enough crosses into the box after setting up an early chance for heskey. Mills coped with Portugal’s attacking threat with no real problems but he seemed to miss the runs of David beckham, coming deep to get the ball. But both of them should be in the line up against Slovakia next month.
Ashley Cole:
Has had a shaky start to the season with Arsenal and looked decidedly put of sorts on Saturday before he was replaced by Wayne Bridge at half time. Cole was caught leaving too much space behind him on occasions – although he did link well with heskey when he pushed forward down the left. The gunners star started all five of England’s world cup games in Japan and is most people’s favourite to be in the line up against Slovakia next month. But bridge is putting him under more and more pressure and Cole looks like he would do a better job in midfield.
Gareth Southgate:
Won his 50th cap on Saturday, looking assured and confident along side Ferdinand. Did not get a kick at the world cup finals and the Middlesborough defender faces a tough job to nudge sol Campbell out of the way in the England pecking order. Unless the arsenal star is struggling with injury again, Southgate will not start against Slovakia in Bratislava next month. He still looked at home back in the international fold – making his first start since England’s 4-0 victory over Paraguay in April. Nothing got past him and although he should have scored with a second half header, that was the only mistake in 90 minutes.
Rio Ferdinand:
Cool and composed once again, Ferdinand has gone from strength to strength with England. Star man at the world cup and in no way fazed b attacking threat of figo and co on Saturday. Manchester united’s £29.1 million defender needed to keep a close on pauletta – who hit a brilliant hat trick against Poland in the summer – but had him locked up for 45 minutes. His partnership with Southgate showed no real weakness and, fitness permitting, it is surely just a question of who plays alongside him at the back against Slovakia and for years to come.
Steven Gerrard:
Heartbroken at missing the world cup through injury, Liverpool’s Midfielder reclaimed his place in the England engine room with a stylish 45-minute display.
Gerrard was winning only his 11th cap while his anfield teammate Michael Owen, also twenty-two, now has 42 to his name – and he has played in to world cups.
And boss Ericksson will play Gerrard stays free of injury al the way to euro 2004, where he could be a real superstar.
Lee Bowyer:
Finally made his first appearance for England after all his recent problems – and did not want to waste the opportunity.
Bowyer provided cross the for smiths goal – a move they must have worked on 100 times on the Leeds training pitch. Nearly scored with a left footer inside the opening two minutes and almost sneaked an opener with a deflected effort. Could not quite reproduce his Leeds form but, after all the hype surrounding him, deserves the chance to find his feet in international football – on the left, not the right where beckham will start against Slovakia.
Nicky Butt:
One of the big successes of England’s world cup campaign, butt settled down quickly alongside the dominant Gerrard in midfield. The Manchester united star picked out Owen with a brilliant pass early on and went close to grabbing his first international goal after a great run into the box to get on the end of heskey’s pass. Butt is still likely to struggle to hold down a regular place in the midfield when David Beckham and Paul Scholes are available and probably will not make the starting line – up against Slovakia. But he has proven himself Mr reliable when the call comes his way.
Alan Smith:
England’s young lion rammed home a stunning goal before the break to get his international career up and running. Smith’s brilliant header form Leeds’ team – mate bowyers cross flew into the top corner giving the Portuguese keeper vitor bala no chance. The striker 21 burst clear in the opening minutes and was a constant threat to the visitors back – line. Confident and full of running, the Eland road livewire was everywhere early on. Smith even outshone strike – partner Owen with his work – rate and aggression. Could be a real star for England in two years time.
Michael Owen:
A quiet first half for the England skipper who seemed happy to let smith unsettle the Portuguese with all his aggression. But the Liverpool man played a vital part in the goal six minutes before the break when he held up play as England poured forward. Owen collected heskey’s pass with his back to goal and turned his marker brilliantly before feeding bowyer out on the right to set up the chance for smith. Went off after an hour to give Trevor Sinclair a run out, but Owen is England’s best striker and a certainty to lead the attack when the serious stuff gets under way next month.
Emile Heskey:
Shoved out wide on the left by Eriksson once again but bustling heskey still showed his willingness to graft throughout the 90 minutes. The Liverpool striker was involved in some crunching challenges with Fernando couto and just failed to break through the Portugal defence after making a surging run in the early stages. Heskey was also a major threat in the air as he drifted inside to latch on to crosses. Looked far happier when he was switched into a normal striking role when Owen went off after an hour, but smith’s arrival on the scene could mean he will be back out on the flanks for England next time out.
Owen Hargreaves:
Bayern Munich midfield Hargreaves has played in a variety of positions for England and right back does not look his best. He replaced mills at half time and was at fault for Portugal’s equaliser 12 minutes from time when he failed to guard his post. Despite the obvious class, finding a spot for Hargreaves in the England side is a problem for Eriksson. There are so many ahead of him in the pecking order in midfield and he will have to make do with a place on the bench again in Bratislava.
David Dunn:
Blackburn’s midfielder deserved his call up on Saturday and did ok when he made his England debut as a half time replacement for Gerrard. Dunn almost sent Michael Owen clear after linking up well with his skipper, but faded as Portugal built up a head of steam towards the end. He has been a major success as skipper of the under 21 team and Dunn surely has great international future looming ahead of him. But as long as Eriksson has a full squad to choose from, he may have to wait a while to win his second full cap.
Trevor Sinclair:
Went on when butt and bowyer made way after an hour but could not find a way in to the game. Did well at the world cup and, with his explosive pace, could still be an answer down the left side if he is given the chance – but time is running out for him to persuade Eriksson he holds the key.
Joe Cole:
Made another brief appearance for the final half-hour and proved he has made the step up to international class. Replaced bowyer and made an immediate impression by making a chance for heskey. Will not start the next game but he could come of the bench and cause some havoc.
Danny Murphy:
A solid premiership midfield but lacks enough spark to trouble the world’s best. Unlucky to be injured before the world cup and desperate to prove himself to Eriksson, but Murphy had a quiet half – hour after going on for bowyer and it’s difficult to see him starting when the injuries clear up.
Stop this right now you twunt Reynolds.
Quinty wrote:
> Stop this right now you twunt Reynolds.
quinty stop it. honey monster is alright ive spoken to him on MSN and he is a nice guy!
> Stop this right now you twunt Reynolds.
quinty stop it. honey monster is alright ive spoken to him on MSN and he is a nice guy!
Quinty wrote:
> Stop this right now you twunt Reynolds.
Hmmm, no offence but shows how much you know Reynolds is actually on holiday. M'kay?
> Stop this right now you twunt Reynolds.
Hmmm, no offence but shows how much you know Reynolds is actually on holiday. M'kay?
®eDdY²°°2 wrote:
> Quinty wrote:
> Stop this right now you twunt Reynolds.
>
> Hmmm, no offence but shows how much you know Reynolds is actually on
> holiday. M'kay?
Shadup kid.
Funny how you've logged on and posted in a thread where i've mentioned Reynolds isn't it?
> Quinty wrote:
> Stop this right now you twunt Reynolds.
>
> Hmmm, no offence but shows how much you know Reynolds is actually on
> holiday. M'kay?
Shadup kid.
Funny how you've logged on and posted in a thread where i've mentioned Reynolds isn't it?