The Sporting Hack

England 1-0 Sweden England wrapped up a pleasing 2011 in satisfactory fashion by beating Sweden 1-0 just days after defeating world champions Spain. The sparsely populated crowd at Wembley witnessed Gareth Barry’s 23 rd minute header brush Daniel Majstorovic to record England’s 2000 th international goal. In truth there was little else to celebrate as Fabio Capello reshuffled his pack dramatically from Saturday’s win to see his side get the better of the Swedes for the first time in over 40 years. Kyle Walker’s full international debut – alongside returning skipper John Terry - was one to savour for the Spurs right back (above) who has as good a chance as anyone of cementing his place in that position in time for next summer. Walker’s link up play with Theo Walcott showed signs of promise and looked far more inventive and fruitful than messrs Baines and Downing’s efforts on the opposite side. The Merseyside based players seem to lack an extra gear with which to step up to...

England under 21's 1-2 Czech Republic under 21's England Under-21’s hopes of progressing through to the European Championships semi-final against hosts Denmark were ended by a demoralising last gasp double against the Czech Republic in Group B. Danny Welbeck’s 76 th minute header looked to have given the Young Lions all three valuable points that would see them finish second behind group winners Spain – who defeated Ukraine 3-0. However, Czech coach Jakub Dovalil’s double substitution proved to be decisive as first Jan Chramosta in the 89 th minute, and then Tomas Pekhart in the 94 th minute, broke English hearts. In an all too familiar position for any England side in a major tournament, only a win would do for Stuart Pearce’s side. The Czech’s played a risky game, choosing to defend for large periods, but their robust and well drilled back line coped well with both Danny Sturridge and his namesake: Welbeck. When breached, goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik demonstrated he...