England Team Review

Well, I wasn't expecting that... credit has to go to the Swiss team for a very solid performance all round and producing goals against team apparently much better than them. I impressed by the centre back pairing of Senderos and Djourou, apart from giving away the penalty I think they should be credited for keeping a lively Darren Bent relatively quiet. The goals we conceded were both set pieces, I don't think anything could be done about the first, it was a quality delivery which eluded every player but the second highlights the importance of a good wall when defending a free kick, what James Milner was thinking by running in the opposite direction to the goal instead of standing his ground in the wall is beyond me. Maybe Joe Hart could have done a little better but to be fair when it comes to defending a free kick in an attacking area, the wall is there to protect one post while the keeper looks to stand mainly on one side to protect the other. Why Milner was on the pitch in the first place ahead of Ashley Young, who came on and showed why he should have been starting, is another question I believe Capello should be made to answer.

Missed chances was another main factor behind the result of this match and I feel that Darren Bent could have done more with the chances he had, Stewart Downing in the dying seconds should have at least hit the target and  don't get me started on the open goals that we inexcusably missed. If you don't hit the target you are never going to score. Its just a fact of football.

Anyway on to the individual ratings, this is how I felt each player performed:

Joe Hart -  6 - Could have done a little better with the second goal but apart from that relatively solid.

Glen Johnson - 6 - Not one of his best games but got forward well and defended resolutely.

Rio Ferdinand - 6 - Did a reasonable job at keeping the Swiss front-line at bay. Worked well with Terry

John Terry 7 - A solid captains performance and kept things organised at the back

Ashley Cole - 5 - Came off after half an hour so did not effect the game too much. Shame to see him injured.

Scott Parker - 6 - Did a decent job in front of the back 4, lost the ball a few times but still better than Barry.

Jack Wilshere - 8 - Influential in the middle of the park and won the penalty to get England back in the game

Frank Lampard - 7 - Scored the penalty to halve the lead and did a solid job in centre midfield.

James Milner - 5 - Ran around like a headless chicken and was at blame for the second goal.

Darren Bent - 6 - Not a bad job for the lone striker but maybe should have put away one of his chances.

Theo Walcott - 6 - Not his best turnout in an England Shirt but still caused a few problems with his pace

Leighton Baines - 6 - A constant threat down the left side and defended well enough too.

Steward Downing - 5 - Didn't get into the game too much and should have hit the target with his chance.

Ashley Young - 9 - Should of started and scored a brilliant goal, brought some creativity to the midfield.

Man of the match - Ashley Young - Definitely the correct decision.

The player that stood out most for me on the Swiss Team was the man who scored both their goals, Tranquillo Barnetta, he seemed very useful on the ball and has a good delivery which is ideal for a winger, very impressed by him.

Does this show how important Wayne Rooney is to the team? I'm not sure but I believe either he or Ashley Young would have done a more effective job down the left than James Milner did. Even Adam Johnson would have been more beneficial. I feel that there is a place for Milner in the England squad, but certainly not in the starting 11.

Hopefully this does not damage England's chances of qualification as I believe not securing a place at Euro 2012 would be a massive tragedy considering the other teams in our group. Come on England!

Matt Cooper