I thought Bainesy did well, he had nothing in front of him like he does for us, alot of his overlap work went unused but he did make the options. He defended on the front foot and also gave his team options. I think he has just played himself into the world cup squad! he is alot better than warnock in my eyes! but maybe they are looking throough blue tinted glasses. Thought when milner came on and played a little more infront of him and not raoming so central like Gerrard did. He looked reall Better, all in all he look at home and comfy at that level.
England v Egypt: Leighton Baines nails his national audition
When Fabio Capello reeled off the names of eight of his starting XI on the eve of this game it meant the final three were always going to be under that bit more scrutiny.
But this wasn’t just a debut for Baines. It was a clear, one-off audition for a place in Capello’s squad. As simple as that. Fluff your lines on your first appearance and, this close to the World Cup Finals, there would not be a second chance.
With Ashley Cole’s broken ankle — and off-field problems which also should not be discounted from his rehabilitation (there are those close to him who have been suggesting that the Chelsea defender may jack in international football) — and with Wayne Bridge’s self-imposed exile following the John Terry/ Vanessa Perroncel imbroglio then this was a unique situation. A test of character.
Capello had made clear there was a pecking order for the left-back spot, a position he regards as a specialism which means he has dismissed suggestions to play James Milner or Gareth Barry, who was excellent last night in the centre of midfield, there. First Cole, then Bridge - and then Baines and Stephen Warnock at level-pegging as back-up. Fight it out. Now both may go.
Baines is more in the mould of Cole but last night wasn’t about attacking — although he played a significant role in England’s second goal — and more about discipline. This was a tough assignment.
He had Steven Gerrard in front of him but the captain — for the night — was roaming even more than usual, pushing that licence Capello has given him to switch across the pitch and link as much as possible with the indefatigable Wayne Rooney.
With England chasing the game, Gerrard was pushing more and more into the middle which meant Baines, often occupied by covering both midfielder and full-back, had to be aware. Neat in possession, his approach was simple.
But, as he found when playing in the Championship, and then the Premier League, he wasn’t out of played. It was an assured debut. One in which he resisted the temptation to attack too much, to catch the eye but exposing the defence. He played for the team. And Capello will appreciate that all the more
