England were 100% sure this was going to be an easy game for them, the pundits were sure, the team was sure, the fans were sure. After all, it's only America, they don't know how to play 'soccer' anyway.
England get off to a resounding start with Stevie G scoring in the 6th minute, well at least I think so because all I saw was an advert because I was watching on ITV HD and that's what they cut to. England played OK, but as usual they never look like a unit. I have watched every game in the World Cup so far and one thing I will say is all the teams look united on and off the pitch. When you see them in the tunnel, they may look nervous but they encourage each other. I did not see any two England players talk to each other in the tunnel. They do not look as if they are in it together. You do not see them talk to each other on the pitch you only see them shout and shrug at each other. When Steven Gerrard scored, he went over to the fans to celebrate, his first reaction was not to go to his team mates. When Robert Green made his mistake for the USA goal, not one England player went over and gave him a pat on the back. As I write this I have just watched the Algerian goalkeeper make a howler to let in a goal against Slovenia and two of his team mates went straight over to him.
The English media and fans have done nothing but vilify Rob Green today and blame him for the fact that England did not win last night but I think they need to take a long hard look at themselves. England need to be united if they want to progress in this tournament. They have some of the best players in the World Cup but they by no means have the best team.
Steven Gerrard would never be my choice for captain. Yes he is inspirational and can drive forward, but he is greedy, he does not lead the team. The man for that is, of course, John Terry. The other problem is I believe there is still two sides to the camp that even the great Fabio Capello has not managed to root out.
If England want to progress they need to stop playing like individuals and start playing and acting like a team. And maybe, just maybe that when you you pull on the shirt of your nation you carry your nations hopes and dreams that wearing that shirt is a privilege, not a right.
And I say all of this as a Scot who really would rather England didn't do very well.
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