Sanchez Brace Sinks Poor England

Alexis Sanchez makes it two

Outclassed. Outgunned. Outplayed. That would be my three word summary of what I witnessed on friday night. 

A brace for Barcelona front man Alexis Sanchez either side of half-time was enough for Chile to seal a comprehensive and deserved 2-0 victory at Wembley.

England were poor from the off and despite three debutants in the sides it was the more established players who let the team down. England may have been missing some key personal however I honestly do not think they would have made that much difference.

The game highlighted many issues within the England team and the trouble they will have at next summer's World Cup.

The Chilean's started very brightly and in all honestly could have been three up by half-time and England could not have complained. Man of the match Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a diving header past the helpless debutant Fraser Forster. Then in the 90th minute a woeful defensive error from Cahill sent Sanchez clean through before cooly chipping Forster. I thought Forster maybe went down too soon and made Sanchez mind up for him however I do not blame him,  Sanchez was through one on one and Forster was left totally exposed.

Forster had a very good game making some very good saves as well as being virtually blameless for both goals. For me he is a real contender for that number 1 spot. Joe Hart will be back for the Germany game but the pressure on him will be huge.

Defensively England were very poor all night, with Cahill and Jones looking totally out of their depth. The lack of pace between the pair was exposed badly as they both resembled big, slow, traction engines compared to the dainty, skilful, quick and balance of the Chilean forwards. This must give Roy Hodgson a major concern over this area of the team. Also I am a big fan of Leighton Baines but he had a torrid night. You could argue that he had no cover however it was not his best game to put it nicely. For sure Ashley Cole will now start on Tuesday against the Germans.

Attacking wise England were not much better as we struggled to create anything of real note. The Chileans did show their 'professional' nature throughout the game as when any English player did break through or look like starting something they were immediately fouled as happened to Jack Wilshire on a few occasions. Although in the main, England hardly troubled the weak Chilean back line.

The first issue that struck me was the speed of the Chileans. Now I am not just talking about speed in a physical sense, of which they had plenty, but also mentally. The speed of the Chile side combined with their delightful ball skills was something England just could not cope with. Even more worrying is that granted this is a good Chilean side by they are not of the level of Brazil or Argentina.

I still look on in disbelief when I see the likes of James Milner starting and finishing with a central midfield of Tom Cleverley and Jordan Henderson. None of these players are good enough for International Football and should not be on the plane to Brazil. End of. They bring nothing, they do not even impress for their respected clubs in the Premier League. I was disappointed Lambert did not get any game time as I feel he should be given a chance. I hope to see him in the Germany game even if just for last 20/30 minutes.

I do not like to over analyse friendlies as they should be used to try new players and formations as is done by other major international sides but this was a particularly painful watch. I do not think Hodgson should be criticised for trying new players. I think he will have learnt an awful lot about some of those players from last night.

Of the debutants Forster looked good while Lallana and Rodriguez struggled. Neither really managed to impact on the game in the way they would have hoped but I feel Lallana will start against Germany.

England really were taught a lesson by a fine Chilean side. What is also concerning is this was in England, at Wembley in November. What chance have we got in South America?

England were booed off at the end and I expect changes for Germany game. I expect Hart, Walker, Gerrard, Cole, Sturridge and Townsend to start while changes at centre back with certainly Jagielka and possibly Smalling.