England v Slovenia (From The Northern Echo)

England v Slovenia

12:34pm Tuesday 8th September 2009

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This was England’s last warm-up match before their final 3 World Cup qualifiers this autumn. Slovenia were selected as England’s opponents for this friendly at Wembley because their playing style is similar to that of Croatia, England’s opposition in their next qualifier, where a victory would secure their place in next summer’s World Cup. England boss Fabio Capello’s mind, however, was firmly focused on the friendly against the Slovenians. There are still some questions surrounding the England team. For instance, who is the number 1 keeper? And who should partner Wayne Rooney up front. Capello was hoping this game might go some way to answering those questions. This friendly was also the ideal game in which to eradicate the silly errors that crept into England’s play during their last friendly, a 2-2 away to Holland.

After missing the Holland game through injury, Steven Gerrard returned to the starting 11 to take up his now usual position on the left of midfield. Matthew Upson deputised for the injured Rio Ferdinand. Robert Green started in goal, and Emile Heskey was chosen to start alongside Rooney, meaning the in form Jermaine Defoe had to settle for a place on the bench.

The most recognisable name in the Slovenia side was West Brom midfielder Robert Koren.

From an early stage, it became clear that the visitors had arrived to play an open attacking game, and it was the Slovenians who created the 1st opportunity, with Dedic threading through fellow striker Novakovic, who rounded Rob Green before firing over from a difficult angle. After that though, all the best chances fell to England. First, Rooney hit a half volley wide. Then, he collected Heskey’s knock down from a long ball, cut inside, only to see his shot deflected over the bar. From the resulting corner, captain John Terry thundered a header against the woodwork. A goal looked imminent, although when it did come, it arrived in controversial circumstances. Trying to get his head on a Steven Gerrard cross, Rooney slipped whilst tussling with Slovenian defender Cesar. To the bemusement of most inside Wembley, the Swedish referee awarded England a penalty, which Frank Lampard duly converted to put England ahead. England nearly made it 2-0 shortly afterwards. Lampard’s corner was flicked on by Upson, and Rooney, from 2 yards out, hit the post when he should have scored. Playing well, England pushed for a second. Gerrard saw a 20 yard effort go narrowly wide, and Heskey headed a wide from a Rooney cross. Despite their good work, England had to settle for a 1-0 lead at half time.

England made 4 changes at the break, including bringing on Jermaine Defoe and Aaron Lennon, 2 players who will be pushing for a start against Croatia. The amount of changes had a disruptive effect, as England lacked the fluidity they had in the 1st half, struggling to break Slovenia down. On the hour mark though, 2 substitutes did eventually combine to finally open up the well organised Slovenian defence. Lennon troubled the Slovenian left back with his pace, running at him dangerously, before squaring to Defoe, whose quick shot caught Slovenia off guard. The keeper Handanovic didn’t move as the ball sailed past him into the back of the net as Defoe clocked up yet another goal. Rooney could have put England out of sight, sidefooting Lennon’s pull back towards goal. But Mavric was able to clear off the line. Seemingly cruising, England then switched off, and Slovenia nearly capitalised, substitute Pecnik heading just wide. Sloppy defending from Glen Johnson then allowed Pecnik to swing in a cross for fellow sub Ljubijankic, who nodded past Rob Green at the near post. It was a deserved goal for the visitors, but proved to be merely consolation, as England were able to hold on for a 2-1 win.

England were far from perfect in this match, but it wasn’t a disaster either. Under Capello, England don’t seem to be slipping up against tricky opposition like Slovenia, as perhaps they would previously. Some of the questions prior to the match are starting to be answered. Rob Green seems to be establishing himself as the number 1 keeper. However, doubts are being raised about Glen Johnson’s defending abilities, whilst Jermaine Defoe continues to push hard for a place in the starting 11. Capello was satisfied with the result and performance. But England know they will have to up their game against Croatia.

By Chris Sykes

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