For the last week I've (occasionally) been pondering England's record of never having lost to African opposition, I was thinking that as we won't play African opposition for a long time then that record will continue to stand. Now I don't know what's more curious, England's excellent record against African teams or the fact that I couldn't link South Africa with Africa *bangs head against wall* We've had a lot of withdrawals through injury from this game and South Africa are now virtually full strength due to a quick change in management. Predictions? I'm going for 1-1, our proud record continuing.
skysports has no mention and Five Live has it on the schedule but they usually break from it before it starts. Anyone out there have any clues?
BBC will have a live radio web cast today Starting line up: James, Mills, P Neville, Ferdinand, Southgate, Gerrard, Beckham, Scholes, Sinclair, Owen, Heskey. Substitutes: Robinson, Walker, Barry, Upson, Jenas, Lampard, J Cole, Vassell.
With kick off fast approaching, Sven has named his starting XI to take on South Africa in Durban this evening. After watching the Turkey match from the bench, Emile Heskey lines up alongside Michael Owen in the forward line. At the back there are returns too for Danny Mills, who last played against Australia at Upton Park, and Phil Neville either side of centre-backs Southgate and Ferdinand. David James begins in goal while West Ham team mate Trevor Sinclair gets his first start since the World Cup in a strong midfield quartet alongside Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and captain, David Beckham. The starting line-up in full; 1 David James 2 Danny Mills 3 Phil Neville 4 Steven Gerrard 5 Rio Ferdinand 6 Gareth Southgate 7 David Beckham(c) 8 Paul Scholes 9 Emile Heskey 10 Michael Owen 11 Trevor Sinclair As I type this, my five live feed goes dead, as expected.
17 mins Scholes is closed down by Sibaya, who plays Bartlett in down the right. He crosses and Danny Mills handles, penalty 18 mins McCarthy makes no mistake from the spot, 1-1
http://www.ecr.co.za/CALL-27-31-5709495/index.asp not play by play... updates from reporter in stadium between music
At the half Upson on for Ferdinand Robinson on for James 53 minutes : Beckham takes a knock..replaced by Jenas
64 mins Frank Lampard shoots from 25 yards, the keeper spills it again and Heskey is there to roll it into the empty net South Africa 1 England 2 Heskey off for Vassell.
sweet.. South Africa is good team .. I saw South Africa v. Mexico over here in Texas back in 1999 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas... The Mexican fans totally disrespected South Africa and dumped beer on their coach... But SA was aggressive and tough... However Mexico won... Go England!
Wasn't that the 2000 US Cup? RSA played the US here in DC in that tournament and we beat them 4-0. You know something is wrong when Cobi Jones scores two in one game.
lol. He also had two assists. I think I have that game stashed away somewhere in my collection of tapes. Anyways, good call by bocatune saying that Heskey would score.
I hope sven doesnt go back to playing a straightforward 4-4-2 with heskey/owen up front.. 4-3-1-2 with owen/rooney is a winning tactic.