By Ollie Irish
pa-photos_t_england-world-cup-friendly-platinum-stars-photos-0806t
Photos: Owen Humphreys / PA
(Great pics, Owen, by the way)
The main thing for England was to survive this run-out without picking up any fresh injuries. In that respect, it was a successful training exercise, even if there was a bit too much huff ‘n’ puff (England’s work rate was very good), and not enough inspiration.
England scored through Jermain Defoe, Joe Cole (the only Englishman to play 90 minutes, no doubt because Capello can see he lacks match fitness) and Wayne Rooney.
The Platinum Stars blasted an early penalty over the bar (the Adidas Jabulani + altitude = beach ball), conceded by Glen Johnson, but apart from that – and it was a harsh penalty anyway – England dominated, as expected. Oh, and Emile Heskey bungled a couple of easy chances, so nothing new there. I still expect him to start with Rooney on Saturday.
Now bring on those Yanks…