England detractors running for cover

Football FanCast columnist Phil Tomlinson feels that
another polished performance against the Ukraine will have the England
detractors running for cover.

England's
emphatic 4-0 win over Slovakia on Saturday showed plenty of encouraging signs
for Fabio Capello ahead of Wednesday's date with the Ukraine.

The Three
Lions brushed aside their friendly opponents at Wembley with a powerful
performance in which England's midfield quartet were simply superb.

Some of
Steven Gerrard's link-up play with Wayne Rooney was exceptional as the
Manchester United forward helped himself to two goals, a fact recognised by
Capello.

"I am very happy for him," said Capello.

"He played very well, scored two goals
and is a very important player for us.

"His movement with Steven Gerrard was very
good, both when we were attacking and defending and I was delighted."

Aaron
Lennon put in a useful 45 minutes to remind Capello of his blistering pace and
new-found confidence, while Gareth Barry was a calming influence once again in
the engine room.

Frank
Lampard was asked to play a deeper role and adapted superbly to allow Gerrard
to roam inside and out. And just where are the pair's detractors now?

Pundits
up and down the country have been debating whether Gerrard and Lampard can play
in the same team and Saturday's display will go some way to proving the pair
are effective together.

It's
correct to say that Slovakia are not one of Europe's top footballing forces but
they have World Cup qualification
ambitions themselves and as they say:
"There are no mugs in international football."

But the
duo are set to play again in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier
against the Ukraine – who will present a stiffer challenge – and another
well-drilled display will have the knockers running for cover.

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