England's World Cup qualification campaign ended with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Belarus at Wembley, but with many fans and media alike seemingly confused as to the man of the match award given to David Beckham after playing only fairly well for just a little over half an hour.
All in all, it was a competent performance without being blindingly brilliant. They didn't need to be of course. Peter Crouch impressed, scoring twice, but it was a kind of performance was expected by the 6"7" striker, who has scored many of his 18 international goals against poorly opposition.
Gabby Agbonlahor also shone under the bright floodlight of Wembley, showing great enthusiasm to get in behind a fraggile Belarus backline, but critics remian uncertain whether he would pose any serious problems to the world-class defenders he could potentially face next summer.
Gareth Barry flattered many England fans and the media with his assured passing display, while keeping the subdued midfield rival Michael Carrick at bay, while Aaron Lennon was very bright and positive in his link up play with Glen Johnson down England's right, though I was was quite sceptical whether his final end product, his crossing, would live up to quite the same billing as his lightening pace.
Manager Fabio Capello has said on ITV's coverage of the Belarus game that he has 16 men that he believes will be on the plane to South Africa next summer. But here is my tip as to who will be in the squad:
Goalkeepers
David James
Robert Green
Joe Hart
Defenders
Glen Johnson
Wes Brown
John Terry
Rio Ferdinand
Matt Upson
Gary Cahill
Ashley Cole
Leighton Baines
Midfielders
Theo Walcott
Aaron Lennon
David Beckham
Steven Gerrard
Gareth Barry
Frank Lampard
Owen Hargreaves
Joe Cole
Strikers
Wayne Rooney
Jermain Defoe
Peter Crouch
Carlton Cole
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