4d
4d
OLIVER HOLT AT WEMBLEY STADIUM: There are‚ apparently‚ 82 days until
England begin their
World Cup campaign against
Croatia in
Dallas on June 17. After this dirge of a
football match‚ it was tempting to view them not as opportunity to hone a challenge but as a stay of execution. This was a dour night at
Wembley‚ typified by the fact that
England's goal‚ nine minutes from time‚ was met with a crescendo of boos when it became clear the ball had been prodded over the line by
Ben White‚ recalled to the squad after walking out on
England at the 2022
World Cup.
England as
World Cup favourites? Really? This may have been a second team but it was still a performance that did very little to suggest
England have any momentum as they head towards the tournament. It is to be hoped Tuesday's match against
Japan offers more shoots of hope.