England Qualify

Saturday saw the first of 2 rounds of games to finally decide who will and who won't be going to Germany next Summer for the world cup. Amongst the many permutations a win for England and a win for Holland over the Czech Republic would mean that England would qualify with a game in hand. And yes, these two results did come about, but circumstances surrounding the facts are far more complicated and interesting. England have been under heavy criticism since their 1-0 defeat to Northern Ireland last month and Sven's job has been in serious danger. A win over Austria was the very least expected and a decent win was demanded, if only to boost confidence. The team looked good in the first half, with Owen and the Chelsea players, Lampard, Cole and Terry standing out. A deserved penalty went in relatively early and all looked fine - but the second goal didn't come and a second yellow card meant David Beckham was off again in a cloud of controversy, to leave England barely hanging on for the 3 points and coming away with mixed emotions. The game on Wednesday against Poland, then, is mostly academic, but unless the team can deliver a 3 or 4 nil scoreline the press and many fans will not be happy... Perhaps happier than France or Spain though, whose qualification still hangs very much in the balance - It seems absurd when teams like Iran and Angola are already through, but that is the way of things, leaving plenty to watch out for in midweek. After all is done and the 32 places decided the countdown will begin, with eleven months to the main event! I sense there are to be many changes before then - with the chance of a Swede being in the top job dropping to zero very quickly... Kx