ENG 2 - 0 T&T

Trinidad and Tobago has actually impressed me in this tournament. They're two islands with a total population of 1 million people or so, ie: a tenth of the population of London alone. Against Sweden they showed incredible heart and I'm starting to think that Beenhakker, their coach, is something of a genius.

England controlled the game of course but didn't create many chances inside the box. T&T were a lot more offensive than against Sweden and actually had some real chances. If they had managed to score it would have been historical, and even though I want England to win I couldn't help but root a bit for this huge underdog.

In the end Beckham (who else?) crossed the ball beautifully into the box and onto Crouchs head after 81 minutes, then Gerrard had a really nice strike from outside the box in overtime to finalise the score, but seen over the whole game England didn't impress me too much.

Owen is really out of form. He's also lost his trademark speed, he's nowhere neer as fast as he used to be and lacks acceleration as well. I wouldn't be surprised if he is the one who has to step aside to make room for a fit rooney.

Carragher didn't convince as a right back. I was a bit surprised, he's been excellent in Liverpool. He's OK defensively but hardly participated in the attacks at all against this very inferior team.

Rooney came on but didn't manage to create much. He did however look fit and wasn't afraid to get into the challenges. I don't know they will risk him against Sweden but obviously he'll be very important outside the group stages. His form will steadily get better so the longer England stays in the better and more important he will be.

Group isn't decided yet. If T&T can somehow manage to beat Paraguay and Sweden loses to England, they will go through. That would be a historic event for sure. Either way I think a few of these players will get some phone calls from bigger clubs after the cup is done.

England isn't looking too hot but they are getting better. Maybe that's a good thing, usually the teams who play their best football in the group stages fails to advance through the play offs, hopefully Englands form will get better along with Rooneys.