ENGLAND TOPS MEXICO IN WORLD CUP WARMUP

England faces some very high expectations heading into next month’s World Cup—soccer betting odds indicate that they’re the third favored choice to win the tournament.  For that reason, there wasn’t much celebration over a 3-1 victory over Mexico in a tune up match at London’s Wembley Stadium.  Despite a convincing victory, British media is making more of the ‘Three Lions’ slow start to the contest and voicing concern that a similar performance in South Africa could be fatal.  

Their trepidation is somewhat unjustified based on an objective analysis of England’s performance.  Playing on the notoriously choppy pitch at Wembley, England withstood an early attacking flurry by Mexico and took the lead in the 13th minute.  Steven Gerrard’s corner kick was brought in by Peter Crouch, setting up Ledley King for only his second goal in International play—six years after his first.
 
Mexico quickly tried to respond and Arsenal striker Carlos Vela had a good chance to even the score, but was thwarted by a nice save by goalkeeper Robert Green.  England quickly counterattacked, and went up 2-0 on a goal by Peter Crouch.  Another Gerrard corner kick set up Wayne Rooney for a try, forcing Mexican keeper Oscar Perez to make a brilliant save.  Unfortunately, the rebound caromed directly to Crouch who put the ball in the open net.

Undeterred, the Mexican team once again went on the attack and following another impressive save by Robert Green on Carlos Vela they were rewarded for their hard work.  As the first half came to a close, a sloppy clearing effort by England’s Leighton Barnes went directly to West Ham United striker Guillermo Franco who scored easily to cut the lead to 2-1.

Even though his team led heading into the second half, England manager Fabio Capello was clearly unhappy with the overall effort and shook up the lineup for the remainder of the game.  One of his substitutions was curious—he replaced Robert Green in goal with Joe Hart.  This has led to a storm of controversy and speculation in the UK press, as Green’s play in the first half was nothing short of spectacular.  

Glen Johnson capped the scoring just two minutes into the second half with some nifty solo work that culminated with a curling left foot kick at the edge of the penalty area.
England played a much better ball control game the rest of the way, and emerged with a 3-1 verdict.
 
England will play Japan in their final warm up contest, and begin World Cup group play against the USA on June 12.  Mexico will play warm up matches against The Netherlands and Italy before they begin their World Cup bid on June 11th against host team South Africa.