England 2-2 Ecuador: More Questions Than Answers

At the start of the night, we saw the line-up and it was experimental to say the least. At the end of 90 minutes, we have more questions than answers and the performance was enough to worry even the most optimistic of fans.

Let us keep in mind we were without out goalkeeper, our entire defense, half of our midfield and our main striker. However despite some early possession and passing football, I expected more.

I think it is safe to say that James Milner is not a right back, he was exposed constantly, he often gave the ball away and for me he was probably the worst player on the pitch.

It was a cross from Ecuador's right that led to the opening goal under 10 minutes in, a ball was swung over and Enna Valencia met the ball to power it into the back of the net. England started to settle if Ox and Wilshire looking composed on the ball, and the positive work led to a Wayne Rooney equaliser that was tapped over the line after Lamberts shot came back off the post.

England were ahead just after the break as a positive forward run by Ross Barkley was finished by a clinical finish from Rickie Lambert who powered the ball past the keeper with the outside of his right foot. Michael Arroyo scored a scorcher for Ecuador before Antonio Valencia and Raheem Sterling were sent off for a scuffle that was anything but friendly.

Two Players Who Helped Their Chances

Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain

I thought Ox was very good before coming off with an injury. He was positive and composed on the ball. He often got behind the defense and was a menace all day. He didn't shun his defensive duties and he was one of the most positive England players coming forward. A very impressive display that should help his chances of starting in Brazil against Italy on England's opening day.

Ross Barkley

Ross was a little careless in possession however for me he showed enough to warrant consideration over Rooney. It was his positive play that led to the Lambert goal and he often picked up the ball and looked to run at the defense. He was much more of a prototypical #10, running in behind Lambert and picking the ball up from midfield. I'd like to see him play with Sturridge on Saturday.

Two Players Who Hurt Their Chances

James Milner

Asked to play out of position at right back, he was beyond terrible. Even after moving to left midfield, he was poor. He gave the ball away too much, was caught out of position too frequently and did nothing but go backwards when he got the ball. If he is anywhere close to the starting 11 in the World Cup, then Roy has absolutely no desire to win it. I don't even know why he's in the squad.

Wayne Rooney

Yes he scored the opener but it was a tap in, anyone could have scored it. Apart from that he didn't do anything, he was absent for large periods of the game and failed to create any real chances for England. He was both hesitant and uninspired. I'm finding it hard to disagree with those who have said Rooney should be left out of the England side, he just doesn't offer a great deal at the moment.