The positives
Youngsters played well – Now let’s stop being so typically English and try and look on the bright side for once, two teenagers actually had very good games.
Both Raheem Sterling (earning his second cap) and Southampton debutant Luke Shaw gave strong performances, with the former earning the Man of the Match award.
As shown by Michael Owen in 1998 or Rooney in 2004, taking a relatively unknown teenager to a major tournament can often provide the unpredictable edge needed to succeed.
Gerrard suits a holding role – Long gone are the days when it was suggested Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard couldn’t play in midfield together as neither could perform a holding role.
Andrea Pirlo has shown that sitting deep doesn’t mean stifling creativity and with both the Reds and the national team Gerrard has adapted brilliantly to being a deep-lying playmaker.
The 33-years-old passing is almost always perfect and the midfielder has the presence of mind under pressure that so often undoes England players.
Adam Lallana – There is a problem with talented English players that as soon as they do anything decent they are heralded as the saviour of the nation – step forward Andros Townsend.
However, playing for Southampton has meant Lallana has thankfully slipped under the radar somewhat and therefore can play with less inhibitions.
Also as Saints skipper it shows that the 24-year-old has strong mind and other than Gerrard there looks to be no better player on the ball in the Three Lions midfield.
See which 23 England players should be on the plane to Brazil.
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