I'm well aware that the majority of this blog's readership is American, so I don't propose to take up too much of your time. But at least some of you might want to know a few things about your first opponents in the World Cup this June, so here's my immediate take on tonight's victory over Egypt...

1. For all that Fabio Capello has done for England - and that's an awful, awful lot - it may be time for fans to admit that his gifts don't necessarily extend to tactical innovation or sparks of creative genius. Consider the fact that Rooney is in the form of his life being played as an out-and-out striker, and that England have a plethora of midfielders but a lack of strikers. Perhaps you would think that an opportunity such as this would be perfect to try out a new formation - a Plan B, if you will - with Rooney at the front ahead of Gerrard, Milner and AN other (more on that in a sec). But Don Fabio was rigid in his approach - 4-4-2 / 4-4-1-1, with Rooney dropping deep and interchanging with Gerrard. It's not that the United number 10 can't play there (on the contrary, he's pretty fucking ace at it) but tonight was a chance to try something fresh, and for whatever reason, Capello opted not to.
   
2. Theo Walcott is a terrible terrible footballer. In fact even calling him that is stretching it somewhat, because it implies he has some semblance of ability on the ball, which on current form he simply doesn't. I'm no particular fan of Shaun Wright-Phillips, but if his goal tonight does nothing other than keep ickle Theo further away from the England squad then that's fine by me. Forget Ashley Cole - every Englishman should put their hands together and pray that Aaron Lennon is fit this summer.
3. Michael Carrick changed the game. Oh sure, Peter Crouch got the goal, but it was Carrick's assurity on the ball and his incisiveness which started to create opportunities for England. It's interesting that this, one of his better England showings, came when he had the similarly defensively minded Gareth Barry alongside him rather than the more attacking Frank Lampard. This basically mirrors the set-up Carrick enjoys at United when Fletcher is deployed alongside him, and suggests that while he's not suited to being the sole defensive midfielder for a side, he flourishes as a deep lying playmaker (think Pirlo or Alonso) with someone else to do the hustle and bustle.
4. The two second choice full backs playing tonight both gave rubbish accounts of themselves in the first half but settled in to their roles in the second. Once Baines had gotten over his nerves he looked assured, and should Fabio Capello deem that a secondary left-back is needed or Ashley Cole remains injured then he'll probably grab a spot on the plane. Wes Brown however just isn't getting the games at right-back for United this season, starting at centre half instead. If there were any credible alternative then he might be in trouble, and we'll all be watching Micah Richards with interest throughout the rest of the season.
5. The fact that Rob Green played every minute might suggest he's the new England number  one. This should scare every England fan and lift the hearts of every American.