Only Johnson to beat...

Wednesday September 01 2004
Looking to the future of English soccer

Berlin 2006. July 1. Sir Clive Woodward's England team has made it through to the soccer World Cup Final with Brazil. England fans are expecting a win, and feel confident that the three new stars who crossed codes from rugby to soccer can bring home the cup.

1966-2006: It's coming home

In the midfield, Jonny Wilkinson is worth at least a goal a game with his demon left boot firing in free-kicks with a 90 percent record from within thirty metres. His distribution skills are legendary, although he frequently kicks the ball out of play near the goal-line, rather than actually finding his wingers.

The colossal frame of veteran Martin Johnson fills the goal; his ability at plucking crosses from the air is unique, especially since the new tactic of lifting him to the high balls at the near post was introduced.

The only flaw in his game is a curious tendency to turn and present the ball into the net after catching the crosses, which has cost his team vital goals on a few occasions.

He is, however, better than the previous incumbent, former rugby fullback Josh Lewsey, who lacked the height required, and unnerved his team-mates by his habit of screaming 'MARK' every time he plucked a cross out of the air.

In the centre of defence, the burly frame of Lawrence Dallaglio is almost impossible to circumnavigate, and strikers cower in fear at the thought of being on the receiving end of a fifty-fifty challenge with the big Chelsea defender.

The Final is now moving towards stoppage time, and the score are level at 3 apiece.

Johnson scored an own goal at one of the corners, and Dallaglio give away a penalty.

Wilkinson has bagged two goals from dead-ball situations, and the other goal came when Wilko heaved the ball high into the air to drop into the penalty area for Dallaglio to nod home.

But England have often struggled going forward because of their tactic of keeping people behind the ball until it has actually been kicked.

They have also been unsettled by the opposition who are coming at them from behind - Dallaglio insists they are offside, and berates the referee at every stoppage in play. 

Brazil are playing the passes to those ahead of them, and the South Americans' tactics have caused great consternation among the English ranks.

It is another such pass that puts the opposing centre forward clear. Dallaglio turns and starts to steam back, and Johnson comes off his line.

The tiny centre-forward controls the ball, and looks up to pick his spot. His sight is filled with the furrowed brow of Johnson pelting towards him and he hesitates in a moment of spine-chilled terror.

Fired up by the baying crowd, and just for a moment re-living the glory of Sydney 2003, both players clatter the poor Brazilian to the ground - Johnson having taken his legs and Dallaglio his body.

The referee points to the spot and Johnson and Dallaglio are sent for an early bath.

Wilkinson is forced to take the gloves from Johnson, and takes his spot on the line.

Brazil's star striker places the ball, takes five steps back, peers at the net, then begins his run up.

They think it's all over...