England V Brazil

England 2-1 Brazil (Rooney 27, Lampard 60) (Fred 48)
England clinched a famous win over the most decorated national team in the world thanks to goals from Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard at Wembley. This result doesn't mean that England will win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but it does confirm improvement under Roy Hodgson and that England are capable of beating anyone on their day. The match did confirm though, the emergence of Jack Wilshere as a player of wonderful talent. His ability was not exactly oblivious to me before, but since his long lay off only the F.A cup replay against Swansea has showcased just how young Jack can boss the midfield. As I predicted in my preview to the match, Roy picked Cleverley in the middle three, but I was surprised and somewhat pleased that Danny Welbeck got his chance, admittedly from the left wing. This gave England an attacking look, and at last England broke free of the rigid 4-4-2 to embrace a fluid trio, with the ever brilliant Steven Gerrard as the deep lying, controlling passer. I don't think it is an exaggeration to say that I haven't quite seen as good a performance by the national team against esteemed opposition since, well, Argentina 2005? Or maybe the friendly with Germany in Berlin in 2008? I was fortunate enough to see England-Spain in November last year, which also resulted in a win, but the display by England was defensive and pragmatic, whereas the England performance on Wednesday was impressively offensive and possession was kept well. England started quite nervously as Neymar twice got behind the back line  showing his pace. But on Ashley's Cole's 100th cap, he was tested by his club mate Oscar in the first period. Welbeck blazed over from inside the box after great link up play between Wilshere and Rooney. Thankfully Wayne Rooney put England in front after Wilshere slid a pass through to club mate Theo Walcott, who's shot was parried straight to Rooney. This was after Ronaldinho's first game in England since a Champions League game in 2010 was ruined by an awful penalty that Joe Hart got a glove to. The second half featured more possession for Brazil but also a superb finish from Frank Lampard, but not before Wilshere and Rooney linked up again for a chance for captain Gerrard. Also before Lampard's intervention, came a great shot from Fred, after Cahill ran into trouble, and later the striker hit the bar after a catalogue of errors at the back. Cahill then promtly almost scored with a great header from a corner, and then came the winning goal. Little happened afterwards so we are left to reflect on a great win.
Player Ratings
Joe Hart England's undisputed number 1 saved a penalty and looked solid all match. Given his form for Manchester City this campaign, it remains a worry at just how far in front of all the rivals for the jersey he is-after all, Roy only named two goalkeepers in this squad. Nevertheless, Hart remains switched on for his country despite his lack of competition. Rating 7/10
Glen Johnson Neymar didn't exactly test him as some thought the Santos wonderkid might. The Liverpool man rarely looked troubled and displayed typical enthusiasm to get forward and link up with Theo Walcott. This season he has been standing out for Liverpool, and there has to be no argument anymore- he is England's best right back and an extremely reliable one. Rating 7/10
Chris Smalling Not a great display from Smalling, who was struggling for most of the second half. Wasn't as assured in possession as he is for United, but why select a player at centre back when aforementioned player has rarely played there for his club side? Rating 5/10
Gary Cahill Dropped a bollock for Fred's goal, dribbling into trouble, but overall a trademark Cahill performance of calmness on the ball, occasional dribble forward, an ariel presence at both ends of the pitch, and a bit of slack marking. Rating 6/10
Ashley Cole (Baines 46) 100th cap, fairly average performance. Rating 6/10
Theo Walcott (Lennon 75) Constantly caused Adriano problems with his pace and ball control. Walcott's ambitions to play up front are ridiculous when he can be so threatening out wide. Where has he scored all his goals this season? From the wing...Rating 7/10
Steven Gerrard Fantastic perfomance from the skipper as England dominated possession. Disciplined in his duties behind Jack Wilshere and Tom Cleverley and he was again a threat with his set-pieces. Looks to show no signs of slowing down yet. Rating 7/10
Jack Wilshere That was fantastic. Wilshere offered England a convincing threat through his dribbling from deep. His defence-splitting pass to Walcott in the build-up to the opening goal was exceptional and he struck up an excellent understanding with Rooney in the final third. With Wilshere in the team, England's midfield looks a much more cohesive unit. Rating 8/10 (my man of the match)
Tom Cleverley (Lampard 46) Roy Hodgson is a big fan of the Manchester United midfielder, but despite keeping the ball well he still has a lot to learn. Still, he has improved greatly this season.  Rating 6/10
Danny Welbeck (Milner 61)  Worked hard on the left flank but didn't offer great threat in attack. Also missed tow excellent chances. Rating 6/10
Wayne Rooney Rooney seems to rarely turn it on in friendlys, which is why it was such a pleasant suprise to see the striker chasing balls down, linking well with the midfield, and generally playing like he does for his club. There is no doubt that England will need this Wayne Rooney for the match against Montenegro in March. Rating 8/10
Subs
Frank Lampard Came on, passed well, scored a great goal. Pretty standard. Rating 7/10
James Milner As per usual, worked tirelessley but not great on the ball. Rating 6/10
Leighton Baines Been brilliant for Everton this season, but still second choice. A good one though. Rating 6/10
Aaron Lennon Capello gave up on the Tottenham flier after his woeful displays in the 2010 World Cup. He has matured since then and seems keen to take the chance offered by Hodgson. Has been an almost ever present for Spurs under AVB. Rating 6/10
Subs not used: Butland, Walker, Jagielka, Lescott, Osman, Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Overall, we must be careful not to read too much into this result, but it was a pretty strong Brazil side that was beaten. It is a great result with key games coming up. Team Rating 8/10

Adkins diet makes Cortese ill

The sacking of Nigel Adkins by Southampton prompted widespread bemusement in the footballing fraternity at the dismissal of a man who, when he first took the job, faced a battle with relegation from League One. Back to back promotions followed by a steady start to Premier League life has meant the sacking has caused anger amongst Saints fans at the decision by owner Nicola Cortese. Just what exactly did Adkins have to do to secure employment for the future, if his teams' showings so far haven't convinced Cortese? Maybe the answer lies in the money, and Adkins somewhat erratic use of it. The excellent transfermarkt.co.uk shows the Saint's spent over £32 million in the summer, an astonishing amount for a promoted club. Plus £7 million on Jay Rodriguez is no one's idea of value. Moreover, the new Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino has made a decent start and his side were impressive at Old Trafford and also the 2-2 draw at Wigan. But he will need to steer Southampton clear of the drop this season and only then can he start planning for the future.

I am not the only England fan who is incredibly excited for the visit of Brazil to Wembley on Wednesday. For a start, Brazil will be sending their strongest possible side as this is one of the few games they have left against top opposition before the 2014 World Cup. It will be a big test for England and Roy Hodgson and the squad he named looked good. As per usual, there were early withdrawals, with Tottenham's striker Jermain Defoe and Manchester United's Michael Carrick the early casualties, with Daniel Sturridge expected to follow. I think that is a disappointment for England, as I'm sure Carrick has a big role to play in the tricky qualifiers up ahead. But overall, from the squad picked the XI I would pick would line up as follows in a 4-3-3: Hart; Johnson, Jagielka, Cahill, Cole; Gerrard, Lampard, Wilshere; Walcott, Rooney, Milner. I wouldn't be surprised to see Tom Cleverley play though as he is seems to be a particular favourite of Hodgson. It will be a big test for England, and it would also be great to see Ronaldinho back in a Brazil shirt again.

As for the football on the weekend, two great performances at the Emirates and the Etihad by Liverpool resulted in two draws. The Scousers just don't seem to be able to grind out results, and have yet to win a game against a fellow top 10 side this season. Steven Gerrard has been immense this season, as has Luis Suarez, but they are now 9 points behind Spurs. Another big club who might struggle to get into the top four this season is Arsenal, who were slightly sluggish in a victory over Stoke. the form of Walcott has been a big plus this season, but the frankly ridiculous defending against Liverpool showcased the fear of all Gooners that any top side can still rip them apart. New signing Nacho Monreal is progress, but is cup tied for the Champions League, leaving Arsenal with Andre Santos against Arjen Robben..

As for the rest of the football thoughts:
*Gareth Bale saves Spurs again with yet another screamer-  but what the heck was Popov thinking? Cost his team the game with an act of petulance.
*I attended the Fulham- Man Utd game on Saturday and was once again treated to a Michael Carrick masterclass. As for the rest of the team, it wasn't spectacular, but it can't always be a coincidence that Utd always seem to win without playing that well?
*What has gone on at Chelsea recently? How can a side so full of talent implode when in comfortable positions? And why is Frank Lampard not getting a contract?
*Harry Redknapp will surely regret his comments that he made in December after an incident involving Bosingwa.  "I don't want to spend the owners' money really. I've got to be honest with you. I don't want to see the owners have their pants taken down like they have in the past." Hmmm.. Harry needs to pull off some magic or QPR will go down and go the way of... every single club Redknapp has managed, into financial meltdown
*It was sad to see Mario Balotelli leave the premier league, but it is probably good for him in the long run. He certainly has made an excellent start to his AC Milan career.

Thanks for reading, Adam.