Sunrise

England v Bulgaria - Euro 2012 qualifier

With a face like a windswept Northern sea front, Sgnr Capello leads out a renewed, nay, invigorated Ingurland for last night's opening salvo on the road to Poland & Ukraine two years hence. Up and at 'em we was right from the start. Before you know it, Rooney to Ashley Cole, a great cross, BOSH - Defoe - 1-0!! Just the start the occasion demanded to settle any early nerves. In the aftermath of the goal we were first to everything, not allowing the Bulgars any time on the ball. They hardly got out of their half in the first ten minutes. Rooney is playing a deeper role than normal and seems more relaxed. Gerrard is enjoying the freedom of the middle of the park without having to constantly check if Fat Frank is about to step on his toes. Defoe is full of clever runs.
Then - nearly disaster as Glenn Johnson (surprise surprise) attempts to clear a Bulgarian cross for a corner only to see his effort head at some speed towards goal. The hitherto inactive Joe Hart makes a good save - we breathe out.
As I suppose was inevitable the intensity of England's game lessened as the half wore on, and we go in 1-0 up.
First effort from us in the second half sees Rooney collect a nod from Defoe to try a long 'un over the top, and the keeper has to tip over. Then - OUCH - Dawson who has been having a decent game at the back with Jags goes down awkwardly on his knee and is in all kinds of agony. The Spurs centre back curse strikes again. You've got to feel for the lad as he's stretchered off and on comes not Upson (thank gawd) but young Gary Cahill, the first Bolton player for yonks to don the three lions. Decent job he does with Jags from then on in too. We seem to have plenty of options at centre back now, which bodes well for future.
Soon after the now commanding presence of Joe Hart beats out a fierce shot from somebody ending in ...ov, and we surge up the field, Rooney and Defoe combining for the little bloke from North London to slot home. 2-0 game (hopefully) over.
Another fine stop from Hart is followed by a good clearance from Cahill as the Bulgars chase the game. With about 20 minutes to go the effervescent but largely ineffective Walcott is replaced by Citeh's Adam Johnson. Stevie G has a shot which is parried and Defoe almost gets his hat trick on the rebound.
Capello, who showed no reaction to the first goal, and maybe the slightest tiny glimmer of a smile for the second is now fuming like a reawakened Vesuvius as Adam Johnson wastes a shot when he had better passing options. But soon after the Italian is forced to eat his scowls (is that possible?) as Rooney from deep (again) combines with the Citeh winger and the stats will show "Goal - A. Johnson". And soon after that Defoe completes his hat trick thumping a through ball from, you've guessed it, Rooney, into the net. Soon after Defoe who seemed to tweak something scoring the goal and is subbed for Ashley Young. The Spurs man is off for a groin operation soon, and some wondered at his inclusion. Right call by Capello this time.
4-0, who would've thunk it?

Joe Hart - 9 - We seem to have found a commanding presence between the sticks at last. How he will react to his first mistake, which will happen, will be the real test. Shrewsbury apprently will now pocket £500000 as a result of Hart's England appearances. The rest of L2 will be going green with envy!
Glenn Johnson - 6 - Can't defend to save his life, almost scored a needless OG. Put Stephen Warnock at RB.
Ashley Cole - 8 - Usual unflappable performance.
Phil Jagielka - 7 - Steady. Not that much to do.
Michael Dawson - 7 - Ditto. Hope the injury is not as bad as it looked.
Gary Cahill - 8 - Impressive. Great clearance saved a goal.
Theo Walcott - 7 - Crossing improving but still runs into blind alleys.
Adam Johnson - 8 - Would start with him in preference to Walcott next time. Great goal.
Steven Gerrard - 8 - Enjoying the freedom. Showing us how much more versatile he can be without Lumpard to hold him back. Did I really just give Stevie Me an endorsement? Nurse, the spoons! He's a miserable sod though - aah that's better!
Gareth Barry - 7 - Fully recovered from the injury that held him back in South Africa. Good passing and shutting down.
James Milner - 6 - a fairly anonymous game for "Spotty".
Jermaine Defoe - 10 - What more can you say? MoTM obviously.
Ashley Young - Not on long enough to judge.
Wayne Rooney - 9 - A new midfield role for Wazza seemed to suit. The pressure to score was off and he had a hand in every goal.

Capello - Smile you glum bugger. Mind you next to the current Scotland boss Craig Levein (the dourest Scot in the world) Fabio has the countenance of a clown. :))