World Championship – England v Holland 4-3

An early start to play Holland at 9:00 in the morning.

Once again England got off to a good start with a goal from James after 5 minutes followed by a good pick up from Michael to make it 2-0 with 9 minutes gone. Then yet again, England failed to consolidate and let Holland score just before half-time.

After the restart James and Brendan missed a great chance with just the keeper to beat but Brendan scored after 3 minutes when he got away from his marker in a good shooting position. Louie Boogers then did the same at the other end and so still just a one goal lead. Marc put us back to two up after a minute from a good pass from James. Holland don’t give up and pegged it back to one with a minute to go but that was it except for a few cards to Holland.

Apart from winning the match, England achieved the other important objective of not getting any blue cards and so have all players available for the last match tomorrow against Colombia (with Bury’s Nestor Ramirez). It is the last chance saloon again with the winner staying in Group A and the loser relegated to Group B.

Ron Barker – Manager