England 3 - 0 Israel

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Israel Make England Look Good!


Did Israel make England look good, or did England make Israel look ordinary? Either way it was a good performance by the home side, despite all the nervous prematch comment about who was fit and who wasn't.


Actually the match was a pretty one sided affair, and it did not matter one iota, whether Paul Robinson or David James, was in goal. McClaren opted for Robinson, but the keeper had absolutely nothing to do, and was not called upon to make a single save.


It seemed obvious that Israel new their limitations, and came to defend, and would have been happy with a goalless draw. Granted England had to find a way through, and they succeeded after 20 minutes, when man of the match Wright-Phillips, volleyed Joe Cole's pass past the Israel keeper.


It appeared that McClaren had made a good decision, in pairing the old England act Heskey and Owen. Considering that Heskey had not played for England since 2004, it was questionable, but justifiable on the day, as his strength in the air was plain to see. However, he should have scored, in the first half, but sent a relatively easy chance over the bar. Owen too, had a good chance, but his shot hit Aouate full in the face, and his second effort, off the rebound, spun wide.


Four minutes after the interval Owen scored, when he swivelled to force home a pass from Gareth Barry. Israel were now out of it and were becoming frustrated and argumentative. It was all over when Richards, headed home another Barry cross, after 66 minutes. This allowed McClaren to replace Steven Gerrard, who was suffering from cramp. He will be needed when England meet Russia next Wednesday, which is not expected to be so much of a pushover.


This was a solid England performance, and the score line could easily have been doubled. They will now meet Russia in confident form, and another Wembley full house will expect them to deliver the goods!


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England Vs Israel
soccer and football
England Vs Israel