Germany                             4 - 1                        England
                                    (HT 2-1)
 
Klose, 20                                                            Upson, 37
Podolski, 32
Muller, 67, 70
 
England were made to look like Sunday pub footballers as Germany ripped through them. The best XI English footballers were easily beaten as they incurred their worst defeat in the World Cup finals. Germany’s fluid and creative football was too much for England to handle and the deficit could have been worse, if it were not for England’s best player – David James.
 
Klose struck on the twentieth minute. As the German goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, booted the ball up field from a goalkick and the school boy defending from John Terry and Matthew Upson allowed Miroslav Klose through on goal and to slot it pass David James. The second goal was just as bad as the Germans found acres of space in England’s territory and eventually the ball was passed to Lukas Podolski who squeezed it under James’s legs. England’s World Cup suitcases were starting to pack themselves.
 
However, the English spirit continued to flame on as Gerrard received a pass from a short corner and his cross into the box met the head of Matthew Upson and the bell flew into the net. All was not lost. England pressed with a sense of urgency, and a wave of energy suddenly ignited England’s engine.
 
Frank Lampard received the ball on the edge of the box and his shot hit the bar and landed over the line by a few yards. England were back on level terms. However, the linesman man, incorrectly, said it had not crossed the line and the goal was not given. The shock and despair was all too much. England went into half time two-one down when it should have been level.
 
For all the controversy, England were just obliterated in the second half. Again Lampard came close as his freekick hit the bar. Honestly, Germany could have scored six or seven if it were not for David James. What has happened to these Premier League allstars, who produce match winning performances for their clubs?
 
Wayne Rooney was meant to carry England’s hopes, yet he has looked unfit and lacklustre throughout the tournament. Why are these players able to play incredibly for their clubs but not for their country? Fabio Capello did not provide the solution and maybe we need a new manager who can find out the problem and hopefully find an answer. This England team was meant to be the “Golden Generation”. All I see is an “Overpaid Generation”.
 
jas_814 ratings:
England:

David James - 7
 
Glen Johnson - 3
John Terry - 3
Matthew Upson - 4
Ashley Cole - 3
 
James Milner - 4
Frank Lampard - 6
Gareth Barry - 2
Steven Gerrard - 5
 
Wayne Rooney - 3
Jermain Defoe - 4
 
Joe Cole (Sub) - 3
Emile Heskey (Sub) - 3