Football News
7 September 2005: England crash to Northern Ireland, but why?
Northern Ireland striker David Healy's 73rd minute goal gave Lawrie Sanchez's side their first win over England since 1972.
Northern Ireland played well, for sure, but it was a dismal display by England.
I was not one of those expecting a massive victory for England. After all Northern Ireland had completed their last five competitive first halves without a goal scored against them.
Neverthless a victory for Lawrie Sanchez's team did not seem to be on the cards even bearing in mind how Sanchez seems to specialise as player and manager on great underdog victories.
There had been much talk about the English system before the game, particularly Sven-Goran Eriksson's midfield.
Many pundits had quibbled that the system used suited David Beckham but not the team. And, in a related point, The Racing Post this morning said:
"The midfield still remains a problem and until Eriksson drops at least one of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard, England won't lift the World Cup."
My own take is somewhat different. The important thing to take from tonight's game was that you don't always pick your best players to get the best side. If life worked on that basis Northern Ireland would never have won. Therefore, although I believe Shaun Wright-Phillips is a superb player, I believe England can perform better without him for now.
It may be harsh, but with the World Cup fast approaching I do not believe it is time to disrupt the old midfield unit of Beckham, Lampard and Gerrard with possibly Joe Cole on the left.
Other suggestions: play the brilliant Wayne Rooney up front and banish Hargreaves from the squad. Whether to play Michael Owen or Defoe is a moot point.