The Meaningless Friendly

As the England fans stream down Wembley way about 30 minutes before the still celebrating Ghana fans. They could be forgiven for having a sense of new found optimism despite the late Ghanaian equaliser. Even the usual compliant of that meaningless friendly couldn’t be label to this international. With that in mind, for the next England friendly the FA should invite back the 20 thousand odd Ghanaian's who were in attendance this evening. The game's intensity was set by the away fan’s enthusiasm and this inevitably lifted the players. This was a great exhibition of non competitive international football, keenly contested with more than the odd bad foul thrown in for good measure. All these elements helped recreate the atmosphere of a fullc international. The senior regulars still involved in the Champions League were allowed to return to their clubs. So this game was an ideal opportunity for the fringe players to thrust themselves into first team contention. The open manor in which the game was played and fanatical support from the side lines ensured both sides were completely committed.

The commentators and pundits lavished praise upon the two wingers, Ashley Young and Stuart Downing. The stand in Captain Gareth Barry was also singled out for his value. Unfortunately for these three there are more worthy suitors waiting in the wings. Both wide players saw a lot of the ball but this had as much to do with the opposition cavalier attitude than England’s clever inter changing of play. As for Barry, he’s distribution is good but often players can simply drift past him, he gives the impression of treading water. Playing central midfield for England surely requires more than the ability to retain the ball.

I felt the two outstanding significant English performances on the tonight that were that of Andy Carroll and Gary Cahill. These two are the most likely of the fringe players (with everyone fit) to break into the first team fold. Carroll though clearly not match fit was excellent at times linking up well with the midfield support. He has an undoubted ability to retain possession in his hold up play. But the lasting memory will be his goal, having carved out only half chances this clinical left footed strike add more weight to the argument that this kid is going to be a player. With Rio Ferdinand’s continued absence Michael Dawson would appear to have cemented that first reserve slot. Though Gary Cahill has certainly not done himself any harm with his assured performance. I for one would be wouldn’t be unhappy to see Cahill line up alone side John Terry at the heart of the English defence against the Swiss on the 4^th June.

All in all some real positives to take from an English friendly international. That’s not be said to often, I’m not sure I agree with this productive outcome. I’m all for multiple substitutions, multiple Captains and where was that 5 minute cameo from the Championship player of the month? Maybe next time.

Ghana celebrated at the final whistle like they’d won a cup final. Stripping down their reaction, I think the Ghanaian's have miss taken England as a footballing super-power never the less it must have stroked the egos of the English players. England shouldn’t be held in the same regard as the top footballing nations but when decent opposition celebrate a draw in that fashion you might start to believe you belong that the very top, which can only be a good thing.