England Spineless versus Algeria in 0-0 Draw.

England put in a display worthy of an MLS team against a determined and organized Algerian side fighting for their World Cup Lives in the two sides' 0-0 draw earlier today. The big news for England before the game was that Rob Green was replaced in goal by David "Calamity" James- not a move that inspired confidence in any England fan. The other change in the squad was replacing the ineffective, and injured, James Milner with the newly fit Gareth Barry. The Lampard- Gerrard- Barry midfield served the team so well in qualifying yet all three players lacked energy, finesse on the ball, and that killer final ball they are all three known so well for. Algeria, to their credit, played very well and didn't sit back and wait for England to possess the ball. On the contrary, Algeria maintained the better part of the possession in the first half, with England's midfield struggling to maintain possession and Heskey and Rooney up front showing poor control and decision making. Algeria played a several dangerous crosses into the box during the first half although the best chance came to Lampard in the Algerian's box when his left foot volley careened off his shin guard and was well saved with a dive to the left by the Algerian keeper (playing his first full international). The first half ended with little else of interest.

The second half saw the early substitution of Wright-Phillips for Lennon, a seemingly zero net substitution unless Lennon was carrying an injury. The midfield looked more dangerous and England had a string of corners yet no one could get a clean look, neither with a header nor on a second ball after the corner. Heskey seemed to tire quickly in the second half, begging for a substitution which came in the name of Defoe, preferred here to Crouch. Defoe provided energy and played a good link up with Gerrard (I think) that nearly provided England's opener but for some great last gasp defense by the Algerians. Surprisingly England's outside backs, Johnson and Cole, were largely ineffective in overlapping runs by a well run Algerian midfield and defense. When England did break forward and gather a rush of steam the final touch often let them down, as it did to Rooney on several occasions as well as Johnson on a number of crosses from the right. To make matters worse, Carragher was yellow carded, ruling him out of the third, and crucial, game against Slovenia next Wednesday. England are through if they win as Slovenia will remain on 4 points, regardless of what the USA does against Algeria. An England tie and a US win puts the USA and Slovenia on to the second round.

After watching this frustrating game I am trying to think of what is wrong in the England squad. Their players obviously have got talent to play with the best teams in the world. It seemed as if England had figured out a winning combination based on their excellent record during some tough matches in qualification; however, their play thus far has shown little conviction, desire, creativity, or raw determination to win the games, let alone any 50-50 balls or balls in the air. The USA displayed incredible grit and effort in its come back tie (should have been a win if not for the third goal being controversially disallowed) that seems to demonstrate exactly what England lack. Capello's formation that worked so well the last several years can't be blamed as the results have been impressive overall. Are the English players, used to playing high pressure games every week in the Premiership, wilting under the pressure of 50 million viewers at home? It seems so, even with David Beckham and his dapper gray suit and Princes William and Harry in attendance today. The player I am most disappointed with (don't start me on Mr Green)? Wayne Rooney. He's got the touch that strikers across the world are jealous of, he's got the heart of a lion, he's tireless, fearless, and he had a great season at Manchester United. To be fair he is coming off a few injuries and is only just regaining his fitness but as England's best player ( I don't think there is any doubt about that now) more is expected of you. Rooney needs touches on the ball to integrate the midfield triumvirate and link up with the wingers and outside backs. Knocking the ball long to Heskey can create instant offense but it is extremely easy to defend, particularly with Heskey and the Roonatic going 2 v. 4 much of the time. Increasing Rooney's touches in the midfield allows Stevie G. and Lamps to make their attacking runs they are so well known for and opens up space for Lennon, Cole, and Johnson to get into the channels in the defense. Unfortunately Rooney hasn't shown the passion for which he is known when he suits up for United. If England have any chance of beating Slovenia, and of advancing beyond the second round, Rooney better decide to play like he wants to win every ball and Capello better cook up something to galvanize the English locker room to want to win (much like the US demonstrated against Slovenia) rather than relying on the merits of their talent to passively carry them through.

Please comment with any disagreements or omissions I may have made.

Fearing an Epic England Collapse,

Matt