Lampard was named captain for the first time in his international career as he won his 84th cap but it was relative new boys Ashley Young, Darren Bent, Jack Wilshere and Scott Parker who made a real impact in Copenhagen and gave Capello encouragement that his team is finally getting over their World Cup hangover.
Bent scored only his second goal for England in his eighth appearance as he equalised Daniel Agger’s early opener and then Young hit the winner in the Parken Stadium — his first ever for England.
“I was very proud to lead the team out — it was very nice for me personally,” said Lampard. “I have had a lot of caps to get to captain the team but for the first time I am very proud and pleased it ended in a win.”
Prandelli hails Azzurri’s ‘best performance’
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli described the 1-1 draw with Germany as the Azzurri’s best performance since he took charge last August.
“It was a very good game from my team,” said Prandelli. “That was the best performance since I took charge. We played against one of the best teams in the world and did well.”
The last time Germany beat Italy was a 2-0 win in Zurich in June 1995, with the Azzurri winning all four games between the two sides since.
Silva goal saves Spain
David Silva scored just four minutes from time to earn Spain a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Colombia and end the world champions’ embarrassing streak of winless friendlies.
Coach Vicente del Bosque described it as ‘a very intense match’.“Colombia was very well organised,” he said. “But we can’t complain, the [Spanish] players put in a lot of effort.”
Blanc calm after success
France coach Laurent Blanc sought to cool expectations surrounding his side’s potential after seeing them extend their winning run to five consecutive games with a 1-0 defeat of 10-man Brazil.
A goal from star performer Karim Benzema nine minutes into the second half was the difference between the sides at the Stade de France on Wednesday, after Brazil’s Hernanes had been sent off following an ugly high kick on Benzema.
“Our objective is qualification for Euro 2012 and these wins will bring us no points,” said Blanc. “But I hope these two matches against England and Brazil will give us more confidence on an individual and collective level. For what comes ahead, the big qualifying matches, I hope we will be able to draw on this.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 11th, 2011.
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