3-0 FT
Owen (2), Rio Ferdinand (
)
f**king quality performance.
Dominated the vast majority of the game, except a 15mins spell just after HT were Russia were applying a lot of pressure.
But it was a well deserved win, and 6 goals against 2 teams who 5 days ago were ahead of us in the group is fantastic especially since none were conceded, my match ratings for tonight:
Robinson - 8, he made a few really good saves, and caught all crosses that came in, no mistakes and he even saved the defence a few times when poor passes were fed backwards.
Richards - 7.5, another good performance, pace, dribbling abilities, strength and good on the ball, a real hot prospect.
Rio Ferdinand - 7.5, a bit lax at points, but generally solid, made a few important tackles and the goal (his 2nd for England) was the cherry on the cake. Nice dummy before he shot (although the keeper should have saved it).
Terry - 7.5, nothing wrong, good performance.
Ashley Cole - 6, looked a bit dodgy at the back tonight, wasn't too involved going forward but most of our attacks came through the middle and the right.
SWP - 8, really staking his claim for a regular place, the SWP of old. Great dribbling, great passing, great link-up play with Richards and very responsible defensively.
Gerrard - 7, wasn't overly involved, had a few wild shots, a few poor touches, but overall it was a solid performance.
Barry - 8.5 MOTM, VERY rarely lost the ball, great passing, gives great balance to the team, he's seized his chance with both hands, his legs, and his teeth. It would be a travesty if he were dropped...
Joe Cole - 7.5, a few good crosses and a few good shots, was a threat to the Russian defence. Ridiculously unlucky to get booked, won the ball in 2 tackles but the ref acted up...
Owen - 8, not only did he score 2 goals, he scored 2 fantastic goals, the first was beautifully placed and he was amazingly calm, the 2nd was just an incredible volley, official MOTM although I'd put Barry ahead of him.
Heskey - 7.5, should at least be included in squads in future, held up the ball fantastcially and was great in winning headers which is what he was brought in for.
All in all England are in top form going into the final stretch, and were second now