| It was England�s last game before they�re off to the World Cup in the Far East. It was also one last opportunity for Sven-Goran Eriksson to watch the players in action before picking his final team for the forthcoming event this summer. The crowd cheered as the English and Paraguayan team walked on to the ground, only pausing to allow a minute�s silence in memory of the victims at Hillsborough. Michael Owen aged 22, wore the captain�s band as the youngest player since the late Bobby Moore. It didn�t take long for the Liverpool striker to prove Eriksson�s decision right as he scored the first of the game�s four goals just three minutes after kick off. His well-calculated heading was his 15th goal in 34 games for England. The young captain missed his chance for a second goal when failing to score on Steven Gerrard�s 60 yards pass. Kieron Dyer also squandered a good chance. His shot went straight at the keeper after a mistake in the Paraguayan defence. Paraguay got their act somewhat together towards half time, but was overshadowed by Gerrard�s controlled passes and England�s quick attacks. The score was 1-0 after half time, and Sven Goran Eriksson used the break to substitute several players from his original line-up. David Seaman took over as captain after half time, as Owen was substituted. Joe Cole came on and immediately showed off his technique down the left side to set up England�s 2-0 goal. Danny Murphy�s deflected shot left Tavarelli, Paraguay�s goalkeeper, with no chance whatsoever. The crowd exploded into �Rule Britannia� as England now fully dominated the game. Joe Cole proved his dribbling skills on many occasions. He was also the main man behind the third goal. Villa striker Darius Vassell finished it off, as he sent the ball towards the keeper and into the net. Teddy Sheringham scored a forth as he headed on to Fowler�s free kick. Paraguayan striker Santa Cruz had a last minute attempt to make the scoreboard brighter for his team, but failed. The match ended 4-0 to England, fully deserved. �We had the right attitude tonight. It was good to see the boys out there fighting, playing and winning again. I now have a clearer picture of the players capabilities towards the World Cup�, a pleased Sven-Goran Eriksson said after the game, but he wouldn�t reveal anything definite about his plans for the big event in June. |
| England - Paraguay 4- 0 Cecilie D. Haug |