World Cup 2006

To Be honest I'm getting fed up with people thinking Rooney is the only player that can win us the World Cup....There are other players, I think although you wouldn't think it behind the Rooney press. - Doops

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It was a familiar sight. A bunch of English blokes wearing England football tops in the blistering midday sun. But no....this wasn't Magaluf! It was Frankfurt, and the team thought 'most likely to in 2006' took the pitch in this edgy opening encounter against Paraguay. Erikson paired Crouch and Owen in the attack and his midfield set up was pretty much what we have come to expect, Gerrard looking a little lost, Lampard and Cole having a free reign behind the attack. England started the liveliest, seeking out pressure in the Paraguayan box. Beckhams intentions were clear from the off as he sprayed perfect passes around and even had a go at dribbling! On 6 minutes he got his reward when a dangerously difficult free kick was driven in from the far left. The unfortunate head of Gamarra took the last touch as the ball eneded in the net, triggering somewhat hysterical celebrations amongst players and fans alike. Just the start England needed. For most of the first half, England looked in positive and determined mood, soaking up the little pressure Paraguay offered, with Terry in particular giving a solid and busy show. As time moved on though, Paraguay settled and at times showed some of the class that saw them beat the best on their way to qualifying. However, with a bullish English defence in front of them, they never really looked like scoring.
The second half saw a familiar 'backs to the wall' performance as Owen was inexplicably replaced by Downing. Crouch, who showed some great touches in the first half and perplexed the Paraguayans suddenly became a lost and forlorn figure up front without his little buddy running at the defence. A couple of good chances fell to England, notably the Paraguayans goalkeeper tipping over a typical thunderous Lampard shot. Cole pressed forward but eventually his energy left him and he was replaced by Hargreaves, who had little time to gel and shine. After that England just needed to hang on and put their faith in a strong back line and they weren't let down.
The final whistle induced relieved celebrations as England took all 3 points. Job done!! A couple of days of sunbathing and shopping to get through and then it's the Soca Warriors in what promises to be a fascinating and entertaining match.
Geoff Lee - Swansea

As expected, the Trinidad and Tobago team stuck 10 men behind the ball, hoping to lure England out of position and catch them on the break. The tactics employed, could've paid off if it hadn't have been for a John Terry goal-line clearance. Although England never looked like a force to be reckoned with, they did enough to claim all 3 points and move into the knock out stages after just two matches, and no goals against.
It was encouraging to see Rooney back on the field and his presence alone appeared to lift the whole team, leading to their two goals from Crouch and a Gerrard special.
While England can't start getting too carried away yet, they have nothing to fear from either Germany or Ecuador in the next round.
Terry and Ferdinand are forming a formidable defensive partnership now, with Ferdinand playing some great passes out of defence, while Terry is assured in and around his penalty area.
The only real concern has to be the form of Michael Owen, who clearly isn't firing on all cylinders. However, with Rooney coming back to full fitness, Crouch offering something different and the boy Walcott, ready to unleash his red hot pace, England fans can be quietly confident of progressing to at least the semi-finals.
Don't forget that Germany, who have played in numrous World Cup finals, always started badly and only got slightly better throughout the tournament. England appear to be emulating their great rivals by taking the same approach as the German machine of old.
Player ratings
1.Robinson (5) 2.A Cole (4) 3.Carragher (5) 4.Terry (8) 5.Ferdinand (7) 6.Gerrard (5) 7.Lampard (4) 8.J Cole (4) 9.Crouch (4) 10.Owen (3) 11.Beckham (6) Subs: 12.Lennon (6) 13. Rooney (6)
Phil Grimshaw - Burnley