Slipperduke
The Camden Cad
Call off the search and return the helicopters back to base. The England team, missing since the summer of 2004, have been found alive and well in Zagreb. After what had seemed like an eternity of dour, artless whimpering, the three lions found their voice and roared back into life against Croatia. With a result that matched the magnificence of the 4-1 victory over Holland in 1996 and rivalled the unexpectedness of the 5-1 defeat of Germany in 2001, England smashed their way to top spot in their World Cup qualifying group and, if they continue to play like this, they will stay there until their passage to South Africa is secured.
This was not, whatever you may read elsewhere, a case of Capello 'arriving' as England manager. This was the England players finally catching up with Capello. From the start of his reign, the Italian boss has desperately tried to install some composure and maturity into his under-performing squad. Last night, that hard work paid off. England played at a relentless tempo, weathering the early dominance of the home side, taking their chances and eventually settling into the kind of football that must have made Capello glow.
In the interests of objectivity, credit should go to Croatia on two counts. Firstly to Slaven Bilic for defying the Gods of football and tempting fate so brazenly. Bilic had openly mocked the English game this week, claiming that his opponents played predictable football and were doomed to failure. He didn't predict this. His insults rendered Capello's team-talk redundant. No-one has managed to motivate this England team for years, but Bilic delivered.
Secondly, England's victory was, in some part, the result of a spectacular self-destruction on their hosts part. Croatia were taken aback by the stern refereeing. They argued every decision, they lost their temper and, eventually, they collapsed upon themselves. Robert Kovac's attempt to turn Joe Cole's head inside-out was justly rewarded with a red card and, in truth, there could have been more dismissals.
Let no-one take anything away from England though. So often the victims of merciless criticism, this was their night to answer back. Emile Heskey held the line like a Spartan, Wayne Rooney eventually remembered that he was supposed to be in attack and created a flurry of chances, but what can be said of little Theo Walcott? The Arsenal front-man, after a nervous start, burst into life. A glorious hat-trick of three wonderfully calm finishes have surely cemented his place in the England starting line-up. Walcott terrified the Croatian defenders and, though his final product is not always perfect, his courage in front of goal most certainly was.
England are not in South Africa yet, but professional performances in the rest of their campaign will be enough. Unlike in the McClaren era, they will not now be waiting for the mistakes of others. Unlike in the McClaren era, they have humiliated one of Europe's top teams in their own back yard. Unlike in the McClaren era, these players have finally proven themselves worthy of the shirts they wear. England, the old England, are back in business.
This was not, whatever you may read elsewhere, a case of Capello 'arriving' as England manager. This was the England players finally catching up with Capello. From the start of his reign, the Italian boss has desperately tried to install some composure and maturity into his under-performing squad. Last night, that hard work paid off. England played at a relentless tempo, weathering the early dominance of the home side, taking their chances and eventually settling into the kind of football that must have made Capello glow.
In the interests of objectivity, credit should go to Croatia on two counts. Firstly to Slaven Bilic for defying the Gods of football and tempting fate so brazenly. Bilic had openly mocked the English game this week, claiming that his opponents played predictable football and were doomed to failure. He didn't predict this. His insults rendered Capello's team-talk redundant. No-one has managed to motivate this England team for years, but Bilic delivered.
Secondly, England's victory was, in some part, the result of a spectacular self-destruction on their hosts part. Croatia were taken aback by the stern refereeing. They argued every decision, they lost their temper and, eventually, they collapsed upon themselves. Robert Kovac's attempt to turn Joe Cole's head inside-out was justly rewarded with a red card and, in truth, there could have been more dismissals.
Let no-one take anything away from England though. So often the victims of merciless criticism, this was their night to answer back. Emile Heskey held the line like a Spartan, Wayne Rooney eventually remembered that he was supposed to be in attack and created a flurry of chances, but what can be said of little Theo Walcott? The Arsenal front-man, after a nervous start, burst into life. A glorious hat-trick of three wonderfully calm finishes have surely cemented his place in the England starting line-up. Walcott terrified the Croatian defenders and, though his final product is not always perfect, his courage in front of goal most certainly was.
England are not in South Africa yet, but professional performances in the rest of their campaign will be enough. Unlike in the McClaren era, they will not now be waiting for the mistakes of others. Unlike in the McClaren era, they have humiliated one of Europe's top teams in their own back yard. Unlike in the McClaren era, these players have finally proven themselves worthy of the shirts they wear. England, the old England, are back in business.