England Fire Blanks in Tel Aviv!

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Israel 0 - 0 England


This was not a day to remember, unless you are an Israeli, for whom it was a perfectly respectable result. Although England dominated and had most of the possession, they could not score against a team ranked 32 places below them. They were booed off at the end, simply because their travelling supporters had nothing to cheer.


England seemed nervy at the start, and it was Israel who took the initiative, and went on the attack, creating the better chances. Then, after 17 minutes, Lennon crossed the ball to Rooney, but his header lacked power and was saved by Israel's competent goalkeeper Dudo Aouate. Then Rooney tried a chip, but this time applied too much power and the ball soared over and out.


Israel could have gone ahead in the 56th minute, when Balili curled a left foot shot just inches away. At the other end Lampard missed a couple of chances that he would have normally put away, particularly for Chelsea! Carragher’s header hit the top of the crossbar, and just before the end Defoe rightfully had a goal disallowed when offside.


England may well have been unlucky but you can't go making excuses for them. Manager, Steve McClaren does not seem to be doing as well as his highly criticised predecessor at this stage of his leadership! Perhaps there is a case for payment by results, in which case McClaren would have earned very little so far. Surely the sporting nation has a right to expect more, from the team, the manager, and those who appointed him!


Elsewhere, Beattie put Scotland ahead in the 89th minute, for a fine 2 - 1 win over Georgia. Northern Ireland hammered Liechtenstein 4 - 1 to go second in Group F, but Wales were beaten by the Republic of Ireland and look extremely vulnerable.


Tags:
Israel Vs England
soccer and football
Israel Vs England