ENGLAND 1 - 0 PARAGUAY

A disappointing game.. after a fairly bright opening and a goal, England protected their one goal lead for 50 minutes, resulting in a welcome but frustrating Italian 3 points.

The second half was dull, Crouch was woeful and the Paraguyans had so much space in midfield due to England backing off. Tellingly, at the Japanese bar last night, at the final whistle all the Japanese bargoers clapped and muttered "sugoi", whilst all the English (and Irish, Canadians and a New Zealander) all remained stony faced and shook their heads gently.