Fabio’s thanks to fans who defied Tube chaos
ENGLAND head coach Fabio Capello paid tribute to loyal supporters who defied the Tube strike in their thousands to attend last night’s clash at Wembley.
The Football Association had offered fans refunds if they chose to stay away amid travel chaos caused by the industrial action.
But with many Underground lines working despite gloomy forecasts, 57,879 of the 70,000 ticket-holders made it to north-west London to witness a 6-0 rout of minnows Andorra.
“I think when someone decides to strike it is to create problems but I am very happy about the people who came here,” said Capello.
“They enjoyed the game. I am very happy for the fans, very happy for the people that stayed here. I am happy today.”
Capello also had a message read out over the stadium’s public address system thanking fans who made a special effort to attend the World Cup qualifier.
Midfielder David Beckham, who won his 112th cap, also praised the Three Lions faithful. “They deserved those goals because we all knew it wouldn’t be easy to get to the game and those goals and the performance were for the fans,” said the Los Angeles Galaxy player.
Frank Lampard, a first-half goalscorer, was also grateful the support. The Chelsea midfielder added: “It was great because it was very difficult for the fans to get here. The turnout was incredible and that just sums our fans up.”
HOW THEY RATED
ENGLAND
Robert Green (6)
Did nothing wrong, but then did nothing at all. Had the quietest night a goalkeeper could wish for.
Glen Johnson (8)
With little to occupy him in defence, he got forward, linked well with Walcott and had a hand in four goals
Ashley Cole (7)
(Bridge 65”) Made most of the freedom to attack, putting in some dangerous crosses and causing problems
Steven Gerrard (7)
(Young 45”) Link-up with Rooney showed further promise but his impact was limited to the first half
Joleon Lescott (6)
Useful experience for the centre-back, who didn’t put a foot wrong, but was never faced with any sort of test
John Terry (6)
Possibly the easiest international he’ll have played, Terry did what he had to do – which was virtually nothing
David Beckham (8)
Showed experience and quality in a less familiar central role; range of passing and decision making first class
Frank Lampard (7)
Busy without dictating the play the way he might hope, but got on scoresheet and was always a goal threat
Peter Crouch (6)
Disappointing impact given his scoring record. Caused few problems although did score, albeit in comic fashion
Wayne Rooney (8)
(Defoe 45”) Took his goals expertly and always a threat; did more in one half than some did in whole game
Theo Walcott (5)
Hugely disappointing. Rarely used his pace to get behind Andorra’s defence and decision-making was poor
Substitutes
Bridge 7: Carried on Cole’s good work down left
A Young 7: Looked a danger and got crosses in
Defoe 7: Took two chances well, but missed others