Capello will have marvelled at theruthless display
AS expected it was a walk in the park for England, but the ever-wise Fabio Capello will still have learned a thing or two about his emerging squad at Wembley last night.
True, there will be no side like Andorra when it comes to the World Cup finals in South Africa, but the ruthless manner in which England disposed of weaker opponents will have no doubt brought a smile to the manager’s face.
In the past England have been criticised for taking their foot off the gas when an easier option is open to them, but last night was reminiscent of international mismatches of the 80’s, where the lesser nations were buried for the sheer fun of it. With the season over and the summer holidays around the corner, many could have forgiven England for letting Andorra off the hook, but the hunger, desire and commitment instilled into them under the Capello regime showed those days are well and truly gone.
Wayne Rooney took his goals majestically, while Glen Johnson showed he is not willing to give up his right-back spot without a fight with his best performance in an England shirt.
But not for the first time I was left marvelling at the performance of David Beckham, who ran the show from the centre of the park with his exquisite passing. While the holding roles that Gareth Barry and Michael Carrick can offer may still be the preferred option for Capello, how encouraged the Italian would have been to see Beckham playing such an influential part.
My one concern for the night was Theo Walcott, who is yet to rediscover his true form since dislocating his shoulder. Walcott will be seen as a key part of the Under 21’s Euro Championship campaign this summer, but he will need to be monitored closely in the coming weeks for his own protection.