Same New England (England 4-0 Bulgaria)

A convincing four-nil scoreline in this new era for England should suggest a new leaf has well and truly been turned in the book of English international football. England started with the jugular piercing purpose, tenacity and passion which is a bare minimum expected by all who follow England. The droning vuvuzelas of South Africa were mercifully replaced with the brass of England, and the early goal suggested all was right in the life of an England supporter again. As Gareth Barry and Steven Gerrard pushed forward in support of the strikers, the centre of the England defence was time and time again left dangerously exposed, with acres of space in front of it, ripe for counter-attacking. After dispassionate and considered analysis of the England teams set-up and play, despite the misleading scoreline and domination of mediocrity incarnate, a demoralising conclusion is that England are still not in the position to be likely to overturn the highest calibre of opposition in the highest stakes matches. Against Spain or Holland in a European Championship Quarter Final, England will give the ball away time and time again, spending the majority of the game being pulled this way and that, chasing shadows all the way back to Heathrow airport. With Huddlestone holding and dropping back into the defence when needed, England’s flying wing-backs will have the security to get wide and forward, making the pitch as big as possible when England have possession. Such a player gives England’s naturally attack minded midfielders the security they are lacking behind them to be progressive, and a considered, two footed passer such as Huddlestone would help England to play a more patient, possession oriented game. The availability and despairingly seldom use of either Carrick or Huddlestone, and the lack of a three man central midfield are further evidence that England need new direction and leadership.