12 months on from the disappointing defeat at Wembley against Croatia, costing the team a place at Euro 2008 and Steve McClaren his job, Fabio Capellos work-in-progress, as he attempts to assemble a side capable of winning the 2010 World Cup, brushed aside the challenge of Joachim Low’s Euro finalists.
With Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Emile Heskey and Theo Walcott all absent, a very-much second string England side claimed the prize scalp of Germany on home soil. Goals from Matthew Upson, the West Ham United defender winning his 12th cap, and John Terry, the captain, gave the side a deserved victory.
Prior to kick-off and Gabby Agbonlahor, the quicksilver Aston Villa forward, was the surprise inclusion in the starting eleven for his debut, which included Michael Carrick, for his first cap under Capello.
Indeed throughout the 90 minutes England were the brighter of the two sides, showing a poise in possession that was non-existent 12 months ago, prior to Capellos arrival.
Carrick and Gareth Barry at the heart of the midfield hardly sacrificed possession, whilst Stewart Downing, the much-maligned Middlesbrough winger, put in his best display in an England shirt, claiming assists for both goals and showing a conviction in every aspect of his performance, that in prior games has been redundant.
The first goal arrived after 23 minutes, when Rene Adler made a mess of an inswinging Downing corner, leaving Upson to prod into the net from no more than 2 yards. With Agbonlahor looking threatening going forward, alongside Jermain Defoe, and the side looking sound defensively, England were coasting when half-time arrived.
At the interval, Defoe was replaced by Darren Bent, the in-form Tottenham Hotspur striker, whilst James was replaced by Scott Carson, his first appearance since that fateful night 12 months ago.
And it was a mix-up between Carson and captain Terry that enabled Germany to grab an equaliser. A poor ball forward by the impish winger Piotr Trochowski, should have been easily dealt with, but a horrible mix-up enabled Patrick Helmes to nick the ball through the legs of Carson and level the scores. Terry later took responsibility for the mistake, but it will most-likely be Carson who pays for it in the long run.
Terry atoned for the error with a winner in the 83rd minute, when he rose at the far post to head a Downing free-kick into the net, Giving Capellos troops a victory.
Those regulars who were missing now may well have a fight on their hands to regain their places, whilst the question will be asked: How many with aches and strains will be willing to risk missing the friendly against Spain in February for fear of losing their places?
England: James (Carson,46), Johnson, Bridge, Terry, Upson, Wright-Phillips (Crouch,90), Barry, Carrick, Downing, Defoe (Bent,46), Agbonlahor (Young,77)
Impressive: Agbonlahor, Downing, Carrick
Unimpressive: Carson, Bent, Bridge
Posted by Alex Richards 
