It’s been a while since we had three players represent England in the same game. And play well for that matter. But last night our trio of Theo Walcott, (especially) Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere did as well as could have been expected of them. Add to that the squad was almost free of Pileofcak Hotspur players and the one who did make an impact was Mike Dawson who dived in and messed up for the goal – the Germans call it schadenfreude.
As an Arsenal fan with diminishing support for the national team and the fat-cat players who represent the Three Lions (not to mention the hapless coach struggling to manage on a paltry six mil a year) I have struggled – even during the World Cup game against Germany – to muster any interest at all. But I mildly warmed to England again last night (until meathead Rooney departed so ungraciously) as I watched them stutter then eventually succeed in the 2-1 win over Hungary. And, by the way, we must hope that Gerrard’s brilliant display was isn’t repeated on Merseyside on Sunday.
Theo looked to have an edge about him marauding along the right flank but again, it has to be said, his end product must get better. Overall though he appeared to have a renewed confidence and should be applauded for his approach given that the Italian manager left him out of the World Cup squad.
Come the second half and the shining light of Arsenal and indeed England, Kieran Gibbs emerged. What a breath of fresh air. He was involved with the majority of attacks that came from down the left wing and seemed razor sharp with the ball at his feet, his passing was perceptive and his willingness to engage the opposition was almost heart-warming. Gael Clichy knows he will have to perform at the top of his game this season to keep Gibbs at bay.
OK, Jack Wilshere, said to be suffering from a dodgy tum, didn’t have long to show off his class yet he managed to slot in with comfort and ease and prove that international football is not beyond him at any stretch of the imagination. He along with Gibbs have to be the future. Yet it is always the future we talk about, well, certainly for the past five seasons or so. Frustrating. (Did I read somewhere that Gibbs was actually released by us and only brought back in to the youth set-up when his mum begged Liam Brady for a second chance?)
Away from the international stage, there is more talk this morning of Mark Schwarzer joining us and MA leaving for Aston Villa. Yet another transfer saga. Oh the sheer exhilaration of it all!
See you at Anfield, chums.
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