Reggae Boyz Message to Soca Warriors from England

Reggae Boyz Message to Soca Warriors from England

In a party like atmosphere at Manchester United Old Trafford stadium, a crowd of over 70,000 watched as England decimated the Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz defense for six goals. It was an historic moment and the final warm-up game for England before their World Cup opener June 10, against Paraguay. Jamaica was coming off a 4-1 loss to Ghana in their last game and although the team was outclassed, the Reggae Boyz was motivated and deserves credit for putting on a good show before the large crowd.
The Reggae Boyz was on the attack as the game started and for a moment had England on the defensive. England responded and at the 11 minute mark Frank Lampard scored from a Michael Owen pass that was set up when Crouch headed down to Owen who steers the ball on for Lampard. The Reggae Boyz defense at that point seemed rattled and in disarray due to over anxiety and bad defensive coverage that resulted in the team conceding two own goals. One goal from a David Beckham’s free-kick in the 17th minute and the second was credited to Crouch in the 29th minute, from another defensive deflection. Jamaica’s offense had some bright moments with their best scoring chance a powerful shot from Jason Euell that forced England goalkeeper Paul Robinson to push wide. However it was their defense that was caught napping to allowed “nippy” Michael Owen to break free and run around goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts to score into an empty net to close the half 4-0 in favor of England.
In the second half Jamaica created a few chances of their own but this half belonged to England lanky striker Peter Crouch who scored his hat trick with his second goal in the 67th and 89th minute to give England a 6-0 win. For Jamaica this game should help Jamaica football to prepare for the future and should be taken as a good learning experience for building their team for 2010. However the result of the game sends a clear message to the Group B opponents in the World Cup that England is for real and the warriors better be ready to “Rock and Roll” because they have had a taste of the spicy Caribbean Football style of play
England: Paul Robinson (David James, 46), Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole (Wayne Bridge, 36), Steven Gerrard (Stewart Downing, 77), Rio Ferdinand, John Terry (Sol Campbell, 33), David Beckham (Aaron Lennon, 67), Frank Lampard (Michael Carrick, 67), Peter Crouch, Michael Owen, Joe Cole. Red Shirts, White Shorts, Red Socks, (GK: Blue, Blue, Blue)
Jamaica: Donovan Ricketts, Omar Daley, Damion Stewart, Claude Davis, Garfield Reid, Jason Euell (Khari Stephenson, 79), Jermaine Taylor (Shane Crawford, 46), Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Jermaine Hue (Jermaine Johnson, 85), Ricardo Fuller (Teofore Bennett, 76), Luton Shelton (Deon Burton, 48). Yellow Shirts, Black Shorts, Yellow Socks, (GK Black and Grey/ Gold and Black)