Bring on the Germans

It was inevitable, of course. As soon as the draw was made, England were always destined to face Germany at the World Cup. At the outset, I thought it was more likely that Germany would struggle in their group and qualify 2nd but whilst it was not plain sailing for them, we know now that England struggled more.

The result on Wednesday was more important than anything. England needed a win simply to qualify. The collective relief that greeted the final whistle in Port Elizabeth masked the importance of Landon Donovan's late winner against Algeria. the whole dynamic of the world cup shifted in a matter of seconds and if England are to progress to the latter stages of this competition they are going to have to do it the hard way. Lying in wait, even if we depose the Germans, are Argentina, Spain and Brazil.

To put it in context, in the other half of the draw one of Uruguay, South Korea, USA and Ghana are guaranteed to reach the semi finals. The team who wins the tournament is bound to face some tough challenges but if England navigate their way to the final on July 11th, it will be heralded as the most impressive performance in world cup history.

I'm an optimist but i really can't see it. Not on the evidence of the the first round. We must hope that the positive momentum the team and squad will take from squeezing through the group will inspire them to produce a performance which is good enough to quell the youthful German team who are far from being the best German side of our lifetime. Yet they do have promise. Promise that made them the most watchable team of the first round of games and that's not something you can often say about the Germans, known much more for their brutal efficiency.

On paper, England have better players, at better stages of their career. They must, though, all come to the party. The so-called golden generation is running on empty but they must have one big perfornamce left in them and there is no better time than now to show the watching world what they are capable of.

I suspect the game will be won in midfield. Both teams are suspect at the back and but in midfield, England need to assume control. Schweinsteiger is admirable and redoubtable in the anchor role, spraying the ball around with consummate ease and Ozil is undoutbedly talented but neither are Gerrard or Lampard.

Defoe justified his selection on Wednesday but I still believe bringing Gerrard into the hole to dictate play behind Rooney as the central striker is the best way to counter the Germans. This formation provides more insurance in central midfield where Barry and Lampard (unimpressive so far)can keep the ball and allow Gerrard to maximise his role in the team. he should be commended for diligent performances from the problem left so far but it is clearly not his best, nor his favourite position. Joe Cole has the guile to come in on that side and whilst he did little as a sub on Wednesday, he was asked to play in the hole behind Defoe leaving Gerrard marooned on the left. I think Capello keeps missing a trick. Perhaps the players can break free of the shackles and try it out themselves if Plan A isn't working on Sunday.

It will be a fascinating encounter and if England perform, they have the measure of the Germans and the exicting Argies probably await.