England's B Team failed to shine against Belarus at Reading's Madejski Stadium last night in a 2-1 defeat. To make matters worse Robert Green, the third choice Goalkeeper from Norwich City, tore a groin muscle which will see him miss the World Cup.

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Liverpool's own third choice keeper (behind Reina and Dudek) Scott Carson, has been called into the squad from the standby list and the Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster, who spent the season on loan at Watford, called back from holiday to join the standby list.

To deal with the "good news" first; Sven Goran Eriksson can point to the fact that 'only' Green was injured. The counterpart to that being that the Arsenal defensive pair of Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole came through 90 minutes unscathed, while Michael Owen's sixty minutes represents real progress for the striker. Sven could also point to a solid performance from Jamie Carragher at centre half and an equally competent cameo in a brief midfield role. Yet this is nothing more than you should expect from Liverpool's Mr. Consistency.

In terms of those pressing their cases for inclusion in the Aaron Lennon's performance on the right wing was certainly encouraging as he proved he could beat the full back. However, when he was doubled up on he was less effective and equally he needs to look up and pick the pass to greater effect. No doubt a skill that he will hone in the next few years of consistent play at the highest level, but this World Cup may come too soon for him to make a rounded impact. 20 minutes of the bench looks his best bet. Crouch, Downing, and goal scorer Jenas, also deserver mention in terms of "doing what they do" but did not press their claims in a wholly convincing fashion.

Now to the "bad news". What is most striking is that it is clear that there is no plan "B" in Sven's thinking. England looked lacklustre and devoid of ideas. There was a moment last night, with England facing 10 men and about to go 2-1 down, when Michael Dawson came on that England could have gone three at the back (Dawson, Campbell, Carragher) and pushed Ashley Cole and Owen Hargreaves on to pin down the opposition full backs and allow the two England wide man room to overlap effectively. Sven didn't. Neither did he choose this option once the Belarusian's had taken the lead with a well crafted goal that opened up England's defence.

In terms of personnel, it seemed that Micheal Carrick was intent on playing himself out of a possible starting place in the 'holding role'. He was sloppy in possession and reluctant to leave the confines of the centre circle and really stamp his authority on the game. The worry remains that he is content to look "good" in a "good" team when they are winning, and not prepared to roll up his sleeves when it is really needed.

Other disappointments in terms of individual performances must include Owen Hargreaves at right back. It is patently obvious that this is not his best, or even second best, position. Time and again he lost possession and his positional sense was found wanting. While he was able to recover against the Belarus wide man stronger opposition will not be so forgiving. He is undoubtedly a useful squad player because of his utility, but on this performance he is no right back.

It would not be possible to end this report without mentioning the most eagerly awaited international debut since Wayne Rooney's, that of Theo Walcott. The youngster came on mid way through the second half and immediately out sprinted the opposition defence. But at this level defenders learn quickly. The next time he tried this he was immediately crunched by two heftily built defenders. Though he managed to dispatch a twenty five yard shot it was straight down the goalkeeper's throat and the game certainly seemed to pass him by as it came to its denouement. Nonetheless, he was bright and played with a smile on his face. By all accounts he has a wonderful career ahead of him.

A final word, one must caution against reading too much into pre-world cup games though. England's performances in previous pre-world cup games have given little to no clue as to performance once the tournament begins. With two more warm up games to come against Hungary and Jamaica in the next week Sven will be hoping that they will provide the impetus as England prepare to board the plane to Germany.

By J Simon Rofe,
Englandfans member since 1995, England fan since birth.