England Vs Trinidad and Tobago - World Cup Special

Goals from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard were enough to secure the three points in a game which saw the return to action of ‘Golden Boy' Wayne Rooney, who was given a full half hour work out by Coach Sven Goran Eriksson.

With England flattering to deceive in their open game, their path past the Caribbean's was not going to be easy one as Trinidad surprised every one last weekend with a 0-0 draw against Sweden.

The three lions began with Carragher at right back and a fit again Rooney on the bench, for the Socca Warriors there was just one change as Edwards came into replace the suspended Avery John.

England dictated the early play with plenty of possession from Beckham and much attacking through Lampard, the Chelsea mans early shot which Shakka Hislop made a mess of was an early warning of England's intent but they couldn't find a way past the West Ham keeper until late on into the game.

Michael Owen who nearly turned in the spillage of Lampard's shot was reasonably quiet up front, but still had chances to put England into the lead, however he was not able to connect properly with a half volley and seemingly unable to control the ball at vital moments he looked well off the pace.

Peter Crouch also had a poor game up until his goal, wasting several opportunities created for him. Just failing to turn in a Joe Cole cross he was unlucky but inaccurate when Beckham played a perfect ball for him to volley in surrounded by no one in the box. Despite seemingly having time to control the ball and place it past Hislop he snatched at the chance and screwed horribly wide of goal.

Lampard also fired a chance over in a frustrating half for England, good work by Owen set up the chance but the Chelsea mans technique was off as the volley went sailing over the bar.

Joe and Ashley Cole worked tremendously down the left hand side and with the Chelsea man cutting infield the Arsenal defender was given room to chase forward down the wing. Indeed it was he who set up a chance for Owen once more but the striker was off target once again.

The first half was not all about England though as Trinidad and Tobago came closest to scoring in two occasions. A floated cross from Yorke was flapped at by Robinson who had Jamie Carragher to thank for doing enough to put of Stern John at the far post. Moments later another cross from Yorke was missed by the Tottenham stopper, under pressure Ferdinand missed the ball and John once more got his head on it. A heroic clearance from John Terry yards from the line was enough to save England as the half ended 0-0.

The second half brought more wasteful England finishing with Crouch at the centre of the guilt. Miscuing a header from close range and volleying over when played through by Joe Cole urged Sven to bring on Lennon and Rooney to liven up the forward line.

Crouch however stayed on the pitch and Owen, who seconds before being withdrawn missed a simple header, was taken off and replaced by the Manchester United forward.

England's formation became interchangeable between 442 and 352 as Lennon accompanied Beckham to great success on the right hand side. Allowing the pacey Lennon to get forward more the England captain was able to get on the ball more and provided another telling cross into the box.

Thankfully for England Crouch was able to loose his marker and find the back of the net with a powerful header. Trinidad's players who were so close to a victory now became desperate and looked to hit back immediately through Stern John and substitute Wise.

Going forward however exposed Trinidad at the back and after a lay off from Lennon, Gerrard struck a trademark left footed shot into the top corner to give England the three points.

For Trinidad and Tobago it was heartache whose performance was typified by Chris Burchall who was industrious as ever in midfield. They now move onto the next game with Paraguay hoping results can go their way and they can qualify for the next round.