England are desperate to win the final one day international against India and gain some pride as they have already lost the series to India and the most surprising part in this is that England were in winning situation in a couple of matches but Indian captain executed a brilliant gameplay to turn the match and make it favourable for the Indians. The English players came in to the series high after winning their series against South Africa and that too in a commanding manner. But they have been humiliated here as they could not even register a win in the Indian soil. Although India has the advantage of the home ground it is a bit of domination that is displayed from the results. The recent form of the two nations are given below.
India L-W-W-W-W
England W-L-L-L-L
With the series already won and there is not much in stake for India, it is expected that Dhoni is to rest most of his valuable players and to field a small and young team that can be tested for their options. England will also be testing their options. The match is scheduled to be held at the Barabati Stadium which hosted the day-night games during last month’s Challenger Trophy. The pitches are on the slower side so only low scores can be expected from the matches. No rain is expected on Wednesday, but dew could play a factor during the chase.
A second string England team that was without most of its regular player won against Germany in Berlin yesterday. Germany coach had previously said that the English players were no match for his but I believe that he didn’t mean it this way. The German players were totally outbeaten in the encounter and it was Terry’s late goal that made England fans happy. This win has made Capello’s winning streak to five and he is yet to lose a match after taking over the reign at England. As expected Carrick and Johnson were in the starting lineup as the regular players were unavailable for the match. Germany started with a powerful team as Klose and Gomez were the attackers and Podolski was in the bench. It was the visitors who drew the first blood as Upson netted in the first half in a corner from Gareth Barry. The score was the same at half time and Helmes equalized in the second half. The match seemed like it was going towards a draw eventhough England was attacking well but they couldn’t score a goal. Then came the saviour of England, John Terry who scored a header in the 84th minute to seal the match. The goal proved the commitment of the captain with the country as he scored couple of matches back when he played for England.
England and Germany are to face each other in what is said to be an international friendly and the teams are clashing with vengance in their mind. Germany are having the advantage of playign at home and England are without most of the players as the players are injured. England will be missing out Rooney, Gerrard and Lampard who are out with an injury and to the shock of much England fans David Beckham has been left out of the squad. Capello has said that David Beckham has been left out of the squad as he is out of normal football in the time as the league in America has ended. Also Walcott is out with injury. The 19-year-old was taken to hospital in agony after suffering the dislocation in a freak accident as he fell in the rain. With the midfielders absent there are chances for new lads to get the nod. It will be a big time for Michael Carrick who has been the star for Manchester United to prove something for the country as he is sure to get the nod today in the match. Seeing the Germany team they are way stronger than their opponents. There are absentees there too like the names Michael Ballack and Torsten Frings but still the team has a lot of experience within it. Bastian Schweinsteiger will be the key person to watch for them.
