ARGENTINA vs ENGLAND 

Full Match Report

A magnificent performance from England as they put in an absolute solid performance, they totally deserved all 3 points. They didnt put a foot wrong throughout the match, and it was very difficult to choose one man of the match in particular, but the one that stood out the most was Nicky Butt who had an absolute amazing game, he deserves his place in the squad as he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the country.

Starting at the back for England, Seaman was in outstanding shape as he pulled off some top draw saves. The two centre backs were again a colossus for us. Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell are really striking up an excellent partnership and have only conceded one goal in 2 games. Danny Mills played very well as he more than made up for his mistake in the previous game. Ashley Cole was again excellent causing all sorts of problems up the left flank. Although he took a battering very early in the match.

The midfield was excellent once again as they played very flat. Beckham lasting the full 90 mins. Exactly what an England Fan wants to see and how important he was when he kept his nerve to score the penalty. 

                        

Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes were superb. Scholesy with an absolute thunderous shot which could have so easily made it 2-0. Nicky Butt won nearly all of his challenges as he stole possesion of the ball superbly and so often and supplied some quality passes that cut open the Argentinian defence.

                                                      

The one thing that shaded the night in Sapporo was the concerning injury of Owen Hargreaves after just 14 minutes, Very unfortunate for a promising youngster. 

Trevor Sinclair came in and played superbly, and showed why he was selected in the squad.
The two upfront were also excellent, as little Michael Owen posed so many problems all night and it was he of course who won the penalty. His pace and skill outdid the Argentina defense so often. He proves an essential in the team. Also hitting the inside of the post, he was so close to opening the scoring.

                                    

Heskey was also outstanding and often tracked back and won the ball with tremendous strength and pace. When Teddy Sheringham came on, he also made a massive impact as England were on a high. they strung together 17 passes before an amazing effort of a volley from Sheringham, only for his shot to be deflected wide by a great save from the keeper. Amazing, is the only word that i can describe for that move and the evening's performance.

Overall, the best display from England for as long as i can remember. The Argentinians were completely outclassed by some superb passing skills and strength. Towards the end, the Argentinians were pressuring England but couldnt find a way through our defence and a victory was fully deserved for the England side. In this form, anything can happen.

Stephen Lifton.