Troubled times at St James' Park, but the Tyneside pubs were bouncing last night as England produced a five star performance to lift the gloom ... for one night at least.
ENGLAND James, Brown, Terry (Upson 88), Ferdinand,Ashley Cole, Walcott (Beckham 84), Lampard, Barry,Joe Cole (Jenas 55), Rooney, Heskey.
England Lift The Gloom ... And No Brolly For Capello!
By Nu Mad
Updated Thursday, 11th September 2008
Subs Not Used: Robinson, Johnson, Downing, Defoe.
A new star was born as Theo Walcott justified England coach Fabio Capello's decision to keep faith in him - and jettison David Beckham - on a memorable night in Zagreb.
The Arsenal teenager scored a hat-trick as the Capello's quest for World Cup qualification began in earnest with a first home defeat for Croatia in competitive matches.
Then just for good measure Wayne Rooney finally found the net for the Three Lions as Slaven Bilic's side finished in a demoralised state after the 53rd minute sending-off of Robert Kovac.
All Croatia could manage in reply in this group six clash was a late consolation effort from substitute Mario Mandzukic.
It was all so different to two years ago in the same stadium, when then England coach Steve McClaren opted for an ill-fated 3-5-2 formation and saw his side lose 2-0 in a Euro 2008 qualifier.
But England appear a different animal under Capello and, although he still refuses to carry an umbrella (like McClaren), England are well on their way on the long road to the 2010 finals in South Africa.
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