Well, blow me, England delivered in style last night. All doubts about World Cup qualification dispelled in an exciting and enterprising first half which ended with a two-goal lead which really should have been double that.
Cheered on by a boisterous crowd - the atmosphere definitely enhanced by undaunted and undiminished Croatian supporters - England rose to the occasion and were good value for the 5-1 win.
Fabio Capello has made this collection of good - with one or two very good - players into a team - something Steve McClaren patently failed to do. It comprehensively demonstrates the value of having a top manager in charge. The riches that English football (World Cup qualification is reported to be worth around £100 million) will reap from the World Cup make Capello's salary dwarf into insignifance. Well done Fabio!
And well done the England players, many of whom shone: Lennon, Johnson, Gerrard, Lampard were excellent; Terry, Cole, Barry and Rooney were very good.
The biggest doubt must remain about Heskey. Although he obviously stands out as a target man, his heading wasn't great, his control was poor, and his finishing was woeful. Nevertheless, he is a handful for the opposition, and Capello is likely to stick with him for some time yet.
As for Beckham - he got the biggest roar of the night when he came on, and he still looks worthy of a squad place.
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