Lazinger already began the analysis on the game but it is necessary to spell out a couple more important factors in the US tie on Saturday. For one, this England team did not play like a team. They played like individuals and those individuals for the most part did not work hard or make extra runs. English hard nose football requires running on the pitch for the full 90 minutes where outside fullbacks back overlap runs past the midfielders to swing the ball across to the goal mouth. Plays like this were hard to come by on the English side. This is a testament to America's defense but it was also the lack of coordination among this English team.
On paper, England has around 7 or 8 players that are better than anyone on America. Gerrard played dominant in the middle, as expected, but besides his rather strong game the rest of the team looked small and did not come to play big. Particularly quiet was Rooney. He was dejected and barely got any touches, let alone chances on the ball. America shut him down quick and often which had to be their game plan. Onyewu anchored a defense that looked strong except for the one temporary lapse that resulted in a goal. Onyewu was dominant in the 18 winning almost every header in the box and clearing any ball near him. Every corner was a battle where Rooney and Gooch lined up covering each other. Gooch has a couple of pounds and inches on Rooney but Rooney is a beast as well. These were two of the finest players on the field in the air and they did battle often and it was a real treat to watch. Gooch showed he was at 100% percent and was extremely intimidating. I do not like the burly beard he is sporting, it looks more appropriate for a serial killer hiding out in the woods than one of the best defensive players in the world.
Crouch looked good off the bench for England and one can't help what wonder what Englan's $9M man Fabio is thinking by starting Heskey over Crouch. Crouch compliments Rooney's style much more and is a greater threat in the air.
Lastly, America got a wake up call in terms of what fouls are going to be called in this tournament. Almost everywhere you look some commentator is saying the English game is the toughest in the world and when you get fouled you know it. America learned that the hard way, but the referree was too shy with the bookings. The referee is supposed to keep the game clean, but also has a primary obligation to protect the goalies. The cleats to Howard's chest should have resulted in at least a yellow card. Heskey came in late and it was on the keeper. I do not think it was a malicious tackle but it was surely one deserving of a card.
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