England - the Bright Spots

It may seem hard to find any form of consolation in England’s abject performance against Macedonia but here are three suggestions. First, there was a commanding display by Spurs skipper Ledley King, a late replacement for Rio Ferdinand. Second, an exciting cameo from Shaun Wright-Phillips, who certainly livened up proceedings when he was allowed on as a substitute for Stewart Downing. And, perhaps most impressive of all, the presence of Michael Carrick, which brought a touch of elegance to the midfield in sharp contrast to lumbering Frank Lampard. Carrick rarely gives the ball away and he also has the vision to produce penetrating long passes of a quality that is reminiscent of Glen Hoddle – something else that sets him apart from Lampard.