Back of the Net!

England’s second choice players recorded a convincing win against a below-par German side in Berlin this week, and despite a defensive mixup that allowed Germany to make it 1-2, Fabio Capello’s men were organised, decisive and entertaining.

The second string took their opportunity to shine in the absence of established names, and of particular note Wayne Bridge and Stewart Downing shone on the left flank.

Meanwhile Matthew Upson claimed England’s first goal in a performance that will rank among his best on the world stage (although on a par with his week-in club performances). Captain John Terry was present and steady in all but the confusion between him and Scott Carson that caused the equaliser, while managing to redeem himself with England’s winner.

Fabio Capello promised that each performance would move on from the previous, and has said after the match that he is delighted with this first year as England boss.

“I think it is impossible to be better than this,” Capello said.

“We have played nine games and after every one I said the players had taken another step forward. This is another one - the players played very well.”

He’s made the transition from club boss to manager of one of world football’s great underachievers in almost seamless manner, and I for one have pride in my national team for the first time in a very long while.

That’s down to Capello and the attitude he has brought to the staff and team, the level of orgnisation and the tactical awareness.

Watching England last night was a surprising treat - they could easily have scored more with a bit of luck, and were knocking the ball around the Germany box with imagination and flare, two qualities barely even considered during the Steve McClaren era.

Capello could well be with the type of good selection headache that no England manager has had in years when World Cup qualifying restarts on April 1st 2009…

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