Croatia 1 - 4 England

Walcott scores again, and Again, and AGAIN

With a magnificent return to form, England beat Croatia in what can best be described as a Fab, or Fabio, performance. It was a pity that so many England fans were left out of the excitement, because of limited television coverage, but that didn't overshadow a night to remember.

Theo Walcott put England ahead, with a first goal for his country, after 26 minutes. He fortuitously received a rebound off Croatia's Robert Kovac, and smartly whipped the ball past Pletikosa. About a minute later, it required all of the goalkeepers skill, to touch over another shot from the same player.

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After the break the home side were reduced to ten men, when Kovac led with his elbow whilst challenging Joe Cole. He received a red card and Cole was stretchered off with a bleeding head wound, after 55 minutes.

Shortly afterwards England went two goals up when Wayne Rooney set Theo Walcott up for his second. The Manchester United man is sometimes criticized for not scoring more goals, but his unselfish determination to feed better chances to his teammates, is frequently overlooked. However, four minutes later, after 63 minutes of play he was ideally situated to turn in goal number three for England.

England were rampant, and Croatia were on the run, although they did manage to pull a goal back, when Mandzukic beat James after 78 minutes. It was all too late to make much difference, and England restored their three goal advantage when - guess who - Walcott bagged a third, with Rooney again his superb provider.

England will be justly proud of their performance, against a side that had previously beaten them twice, when it mattered. It was a good team effort with Walcott, and perhaps Capello emerging as heroes. For the time being the Press gang will change their tune, for as long as it may continue.

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Croatia 1 - 4 England
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Croatia 1 - 4 England