1 It was nice to hear a frank after-match interview from Steve McClaren instead of hearing about the view from behind Sven’s rose-tinted specs.
2 Peter Crouch is a star!
3 That was one whistle-happy referee.
10 Conclusions: Macedonia 0-1 England continued
4 Owen Hargreaves was again superb. A little less breaking up play than we have become used to, but the pace and effort of his tracking back was phenomenal.
5 It is encouraging that England have arguably their best player and one of their top-form players to come back in Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole.
6 What is going on with Paul Robinson’s hair? He looks like the victim of a teenage prank. It’s shaved different lengths all over!
7 Stewart Downing needs to find his feet at international level. I believe he is international quality, but he seems scared to terrorise defenders like he does for Middlesbrough.
8 The away trips to Israel, Croatia and Russia will be just as tough, if not tougher, so improved performances will be needed.
9 The defence was solid – especially John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.
10 Having said that, Phil Neville is only a makeshift right-back. England need a youngster, such as Micah Richards, to emerge quickly and become Gary Neville’s back-up.
[Rob Parker]