Match Report: England 3-0 Platinum All Stars
Match Report: England 3-0 Platinum All Stars
By Oliver Sparrow, writing from London
It was yet another uninspiring performance from an England team that seem unable to recapture the free-flowing football that was a hallmark of their high scoring qualification campaign. The Platinum All Stars exceeded expectations and played some lovely one touch football at times, but the result was never seriously in doubt. What was disappointing was that England failed to put more goals past their vastly inferior opponents.
After Capello had recently stated that his first choice XI would play at least 45-60 minutes against the All Stars, there was much speculation as to who would start the match for England. However, Crouch started with Defoe up front, with Sean Wright-Philips on the right and Joe Hart in goal. With the exception of Crouch, none of those players are likely to start against the USA, and England fans were left none the wiser about their teamsheet for the first game as Capello kept his cards close to his chest. Interestingly, David James was nowhere to be seen, and his recent absences are casting doubt as to whether he will be involved in this World Cup, despite the number one printed on the back of his jersey.
