England v Trinidad & Tobago

Published on 15/06/2006 18:55

England 1

Crouch, 84

Gerrard, 91

Trinidad and Tobago 0

England immediately comes at Trinidad, but they hold firm. A frustrating first half for England.

Second half sees a more determined approach from England and the introduction of a certain Mr Rooney. Will it pay off? Yes it does! Though not from the man everyone expected. It’s Crouch who scores a header converted from a pinpoint Beckham cross just as England was beginning to think it would not be their night.

Gerrard scores a superb strike in the 91st minute to finish off the match and England can finally relax.

Hero(es):

Trinidad and Tobago may be so far down the world rankings from England that they’re out of sight, but they put up a terrific performance tonight. Well done to all of them.

And…Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard, of course.

Villain:

Nobody. A good advert for the game.

What have we learned?

Once again, England looked a bit toothless in attack and Owen’s starting place in the team may be in doubt now. How this lack of strike power will affect them in the latter stages could be crucial.

England: Robinson, Carragher (Lennon, 58), Ferdinand, Terry, A Cole, Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard, J Cole (Downing, 75), Owen (Rooney, 58), Crouch

Trinidad and Tobago: Hislop, Sancho, Gray, Lawrence, Birchall, Edwards, Theobald (Wise, 85), Whitley, S. John, Jones (Glen, 70), Yorke

Referee: T Kamikawa (Japan)