By Chris Wright
A slickly taken goal from Ghana’s main man, Asamoah Gyan, served to nab a narrow victory from in front of England’s noses as the first ever meeting between the two sides ticked over into injury time at Wembley last night.
For Pies’ money, the game was a decent run-out from an England perspective (not quite the ‘fantastic display’ that is being heralded by several press offshoots this morning) and, all in all, provided a fair example of just how coherently Fabio Capello’s side can get their act together when there is absolutely no semblance of pressure or expectation riding on the match.
Andy Carroll looked slightly unfit yet dangerous when stationary, Ashley Young and Stewart Downing didn’t stop hither-and-thithering all night, Gareth Barry did some things and Ghana were a joy to behold – their attacking exuberance matched ably by their 20,000+ fervent supporters.
Photos…
Opposing captains John Mensah and Gareth Barry go through the pre-match motions
Sadly ‘sulky man with giant steaming pot on head’ couldn’t make it, but thankfully ‘faceless yellow head-to-toe leotard man’ managed to get a ticket
Glen Johnson manages to evade Sulley Muntari’s lunge
Ashley Young connects with Stewart Downing’s low cross, only to see his shot clatter back off the crossbar
Andy Carroll tumbles to the ground under pressure from Derek Boateng…
…before picking himself up to barrel home his first goal for England
Phil Jagielka wins an aerial duel with Asamoah Gyan
“Is he playing in stocking feet? Yes he is! Leighton Baines has been playing in stocking feet for the past three minutes. I’ve never seen anything like it!” – Clive Tyldesley.
Minutes actually spent playing in ‘stocking feet’ by Baines – none.
Sulley Muntari finds himself as the ‘meat’ in an England midfield sandwich
Matt Jarvis makes his England debut, replacing Jack Wilshere in the 69th minute
After turning Joleon Lescott inside-out on the edge of the box, Asamoah Gyan guides a cool finish into the far corner to restore parity with seconds left to play
Ghana fans are sent into raptures by Gyan’s late equaliser
Fulham’s John Pantsil celebrates with his customary, flag-waving lap of honour
Photos courtesy of the PA.