‘England Brush Israel Aside as Mcclaren’s Lions Boost Qualification Hopes’
England 3 – 0 Israel – Euro 2008 Qualifier – Wembley Stadium – 8th September
Steve Mcclaren’s England side did the nation proud as the comfortably defeated Israel to win their first game at the redeveloped Wembley Stadium. Goals from Shaun Wright Phillips, Michael Owen and Micah Richards secured a confident performance from the Three Lions and set themselves up nicely for a top of the table clash with Russia.
England began with several changes from the team which was defeated by Germany less then a month ago. Mcclaren’s side were robbed of Peter Crouch by suspension and the likes of Beckham, Rooney, Lampard, Hargreaves and Dyer through injury. Robinson kept his place despite his high profile error against the Germans whilst Gerrard returned and Gareth Barry started in midfield. The recalled Emile Heskey started upfront alongside Michael Owen and Ashley Cole who had recovered from injury replaced Nicky Shorey.
The home side began brightly and despite a wall of blue Israeli shirts in front of them at every attack England created a number of chances in the first half. With plenty of options out wide it was surprising that most of the danger came through the middle of the pitch, Emile Heskey the chief trouble causer on most occasions.
The Wigan striker almost bagged himself his first goal on his return to the England side and the confidence of a recall was evident as he exchanged passes with strike partner Owen in the early play.
It was a combination of the two which set up the first chance as Owen held the ball up to set up a shot for the big striker, he was unable however to keep his shot down on five minutes. Israel offered little threat in attacking areas and because of this the ball was frequently in the possession of England who continued to be patient in search of the opening goal.
John Terry, always a danger at set pieces had two chances taken just off his head after crosses by Steven Gerrard but the defenders could do little as the second led to the opening goal for England. The energetic right winger latched onto a cross for Joe Cole down the right hand side and volleyed the ball into the net.
England continued to pressure the Israeli’s and Michael Owen should have made it 2-0 before half time when he was offered two opportunities at goal but was first thwarted by the goalkeeper and then sliced the second attempt over the bar. A sharper Michael Owen may have taken either of the chances but he still looked confident and soon set up a chance for a Ashley Cole but the Chelsea mans shot was saved by the goalkeeper.
Wright Phillips once again caused problems down the right as he linked up with Heskey once again and attempted to create a chance for Michael Owen but an Israeli defender this time got himself in the way of the cross.
The first half was full of positives and just the tonic which Steve Maclaren needed after the struggles with the current qualification campaign.
The second period was full of more joys of the England team and the got an immediate boost with an excellent strike from Michael Owen. Gareth Barry played the ball into the number ten who controlled and turned instantly volleying the ball past the helpless goalkeeper. The strike was just what the Newcastle striker needed as he continues his comeback from injury and it showed something of his confidence that he was able to hit the target without even looking up or considering his options.
Israel, despite being 2-0 down, still refused to come out of their defensive shell and it seemed a question of how many England would win by. They made changes to the team bringing off Gerrard and Heskey but still managed to find a third goal through Micah Richards. A corner from Gareth Barry was perfectly flighted for Richards to rise head and shoulders above the Israeli defenders to score his first International goal.
As the rest of the second half drifted by, Owen had a chance to increase his sides lead after a ball through Andy Johnson however Cif cleared off the line five minutes from the end. Despite his disappointment at not hitting the back of the net to make the game comfortable, Mcclaren and his team can look back on a fantastically professional performance.
The home side began brightly and despite a wall of blue Israeli shirts in front of them at every attack England created a number of chances in the first half. With plenty of options out wide it was surprising that most of the danger came through the middle of the pitch, Emile Heskey the chief trouble causer on most occasions.
The Wigan striker almost bagged himself his first goal on his return to the England side and the confidence of a recall was evident as he exchanged passes with strike partner Owen in the early play.
It was a combination of the two which set up the first chance as Owen held the ball up to set up a shot for the big striker, he was unable however to keep his shot down on five minutes. Israel offered little threat in attacking areas and because of this the ball was frequently in the possession of England who continued to be patient in search of the opening goal.
John Terry, always a danger at set pieces had two chances taken just off his head after crosses by Steven Gerrard but the defenders could do little as the second led to the opening goal for England. The energetic right winger latched onto a cross for Joe Cole down the right hand side and volleyed the ball into the net.
England continued to pressure the Israeli’s and Michael Owen should have made it 2-0 before half time when he was offered two opportunities at goal but was first thwarted by the goalkeeper and then sliced the second attempt over the bar. A sharper Michael Owen may have taken either of the chances but he still looked confident and soon set up a chance for a Ashley Cole but the Chelsea mans shot was saved by the goalkeeper.
Wright Phillips once again caused problems down the right as he linked up with Heskey once again and attempted to create a chance for Michael Owen but an Israeli defender this time got himself in the way of the cross.
The first half was full of positives and just the tonic which Steve Maclaren needed after the struggles with the current qualification campaign.
The second period was full of more joys of the England team and the got an immediate boost with an excellent strike from Michael Owen. Gareth Barry played the ball into the number ten who controlled and turned instantly volleying the ball past the helpless goalkeeper. The strike was just what the Newcastle striker needed as he continues his comeback from injury and it showed something of his confidence that he was able to hit the target without even looking up or considering his options.
Israel, despite being 2-0 down, still refused to come out of their defensive shell and it seemed a question of how many England would win by. They made changes to the team bringing off Gerrard and Heskey but still managed to find a third goal through Micah Richards. A corner from Gareth Barry was perfectly flighted for Richards to rise head and shoulders above the Israeli defenders to score his first International goal.
As the rest of the second half drifted by, Owen had a chance to increase his sides lead after a ball through Andy Johnson however Cif cleared off the line five minutes from the end. Despite his disappointment at not hitting the back of the net to make the game comfortable, Mcclaren and his team can look back on a fantastically professional performance.
England Vs Israel – Player Ratings
It turned out to be a much happier September start for Steve Mcclaren and England as the brushed Israel aside with the greatest of ease. With a big game against Russia on Wednesday exactly which players did themselves favours as far as making the next selection…?
Paul Robinson – England’s goalkeeper was largely untroubled as the defense pretty much went through the motions against a negative Israeli side. With very little action coming his way there, Wednesday may be more of a test as to whether Maclaren’s faith in him is deserved.
Ashley Cole – The Chelsea full back showed the difference between him and several of the alternative left sided defenders available for selection by offering a consistent attacking threat. Working well with Joe Cole down the left flank he perhaps could have had his first International goal in the first half.
Micah Richards – Will be delighted with his goal and overall contribution to the England performance. The Manchester City defender did not put a foot wrong and showed his danger at set pieces with a towering header to make it 3-0. Defensively he offered everything his country needed and in the attacking third he supplied some dangerous crosses and linked up well with Wright-Phillips.
John Terry – The captain put in a good shift at the back for his country and despite almost 90 minutes of inactivity he kept his concentration well and defended resolutely. At set pieces he was once more a threat and caused the usual havoc whenever he got forward.
Rio Ferdinand – Terry’s defensive partner also did well to keep his concentration and did everything to prove that he is not ready to be replaced by Micah Richards just get. In the second half he held of the attentions of the stronger and more forceful Israeli attacker who came on and in the first period his ball playing skills were needed to help breakdown the away side’s backline.
Steven Gerrard – Liverpool’s talismanic midfielder played exactly how his country needed him to before cramp meant an end to his performance in the second half. Although Gerrard did not make many of the bursting runs he does for his club, he did not need to and alongside the Barry the most creative player on the pitch played some trademark passes and was always willing to win possession back for his team.
Gareth Barry – Aston Villa’s midfield man may have started his first international game in seven years but he stepped onto the pitch like he had never been away. Along with Gerrard he provided superb cover for the backline and his passing was incisive as it is at club level. He worked hard for the team to win the ball back and now gives Maclaren a selection problem with the return of Owen Hargreaves and Frank Lampard.
Joe Cole – As usual Joe Cole was one of England’s brightest performers and was at his consistent best for the nation. Providing excellent service to Heskey and Owen he set up the first and was always an outlet for the ball. Cole was also not afraid to move into the centre to pick up possession and control the tempo and created space for Ashley Cole to come down the flank.
Shaun Wright Phillips – Finally starting to show some of his Manchester City form for England and Chelsea Wright Phillips showed himself worthy selection in the absence of David Beckham. His pace down the right hand side was electric and he was a constant threat. His opening goal was well taken and he was also full of confidence as he burst past his defender on several occasions.
Emile Heskey – The recalled Wigan striker did exactly what was required from him and his performance should have done enough to earn him a place in the side against Wigan on Wednesday. Heskey was a constant threat and linked up well with those around him, most importantly Michael Owen. Though he was withdrawn in the second half, Heskey had done enough to prove to his critics that he is good enough to still be considered an England International.
Michael Owen – England’s main man up front will be delighted to have got 90 minutes under his belt and will also be grateful for playing alongside Heskey to allow him to play to his strengths. A great finish in the second half probably should have been sandwiched by an earlier and a later goal but he once again proved how valuable to the national team he is.
Phil Neville – Replacing Gerrard in the second period Neville was as assured in possession as he always has been as an England player. Playing ‘neat and tidy’ rather than looking to push England onwards he proved himself to be a comfortable replacement for any of the first choice midfielders.
Andy Johnson – Coming on a sub for Andy Johnson the Everton striker was forced to chase a few too many long balls as the game was already won. During one piece of play he showed what he can do he linked up well with Owen but showed that to prove his worth he needs to start rather than come on a substitute.
David Bentley – Suffered rather unwelcome booing during his introduction because of his decision not to play for the U21’s in the Summer but the Blackburn man looked neat and tidy in his ten minute performance proving that he is ready to step up to full International level.
The Manager
Steve Mcclaren – England’s under pressure manager got himself out of jail with some big decisions before the kick off. Playing Heskey proved to be stroke of genius as well as replacing Hargreaves with Barry who also put in a superb shift. Ahead of Russia, Maclaren how has selection problems and needs to make the right choices once again if England are to be successful.
Paul Robinson – England’s goalkeeper was largely untroubled as the defense pretty much went through the motions against a negative Israeli side. With very little action coming his way there, Wednesday may be more of a test as to whether Maclaren’s faith in him is deserved.
Ashley Cole – The Chelsea full back showed the difference between him and several of the alternative left sided defenders available for selection by offering a consistent attacking threat. Working well with Joe Cole down the left flank he perhaps could have had his first International goal in the first half.
Micah Richards – Will be delighted with his goal and overall contribution to the England performance. The Manchester City defender did not put a foot wrong and showed his danger at set pieces with a towering header to make it 3-0. Defensively he offered everything his country needed and in the attacking third he supplied some dangerous crosses and linked up well with Wright-Phillips.
John Terry – The captain put in a good shift at the back for his country and despite almost 90 minutes of inactivity he kept his concentration well and defended resolutely. At set pieces he was once more a threat and caused the usual havoc whenever he got forward.
Rio Ferdinand – Terry’s defensive partner also did well to keep his concentration and did everything to prove that he is not ready to be replaced by Micah Richards just get. In the second half he held of the attentions of the stronger and more forceful Israeli attacker who came on and in the first period his ball playing skills were needed to help breakdown the away side’s backline.
Steven Gerrard – Liverpool’s talismanic midfielder played exactly how his country needed him to before cramp meant an end to his performance in the second half. Although Gerrard did not make many of the bursting runs he does for his club, he did not need to and alongside the Barry the most creative player on the pitch played some trademark passes and was always willing to win possession back for his team.
Gareth Barry – Aston Villa’s midfield man may have started his first international game in seven years but he stepped onto the pitch like he had never been away. Along with Gerrard he provided superb cover for the backline and his passing was incisive as it is at club level. He worked hard for the team to win the ball back and now gives Maclaren a selection problem with the return of Owen Hargreaves and Frank Lampard.
Joe Cole – As usual Joe Cole was one of England’s brightest performers and was at his consistent best for the nation. Providing excellent service to Heskey and Owen he set up the first and was always an outlet for the ball. Cole was also not afraid to move into the centre to pick up possession and control the tempo and created space for Ashley Cole to come down the flank.
Shaun Wright Phillips – Finally starting to show some of his Manchester City form for England and Chelsea Wright Phillips showed himself worthy selection in the absence of David Beckham. His pace down the right hand side was electric and he was a constant threat. His opening goal was well taken and he was also full of confidence as he burst past his defender on several occasions.
Emile Heskey – The recalled Wigan striker did exactly what was required from him and his performance should have done enough to earn him a place in the side against Wigan on Wednesday. Heskey was a constant threat and linked up well with those around him, most importantly Michael Owen. Though he was withdrawn in the second half, Heskey had done enough to prove to his critics that he is good enough to still be considered an England International.
Michael Owen – England’s main man up front will be delighted to have got 90 minutes under his belt and will also be grateful for playing alongside Heskey to allow him to play to his strengths. A great finish in the second half probably should have been sandwiched by an earlier and a later goal but he once again proved how valuable to the national team he is.
Phil Neville – Replacing Gerrard in the second period Neville was as assured in possession as he always has been as an England player. Playing ‘neat and tidy’ rather than looking to push England onwards he proved himself to be a comfortable replacement for any of the first choice midfielders.
Andy Johnson – Coming on a sub for Andy Johnson the Everton striker was forced to chase a few too many long balls as the game was already won. During one piece of play he showed what he can do he linked up well with Owen but showed that to prove his worth he needs to start rather than come on a substitute.
David Bentley – Suffered rather unwelcome booing during his introduction because of his decision not to play for the U21’s in the Summer but the Blackburn man looked neat and tidy in his ten minute performance proving that he is ready to step up to full International level.
The Manager
Steve Mcclaren – England’s under pressure manager got himself out of jail with some big decisions before the kick off. Playing Heskey proved to be stroke of genius as well as replacing Hargreaves with Barry who also put in a superb shift. Ahead of Russia, Maclaren how has selection problems and needs to make the right choices once again if England are to be successful.