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England have won their friendly match against Nigeria at Wembley Stadium by 2 goals to 1.
They started off the match in great touch with some neat work from Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Ashley Young.
England went ahead through a long-range header from a corner in the 7th minute by Gary Cahill. They dominated most of the first half and although Sterling got into some great positions, there would be some concerns about his finishing.
No such concerns for Harry Kane, who capped off a neat move that he was also involved in by firing a low hard shot. The keeper might have been slightly at fault as it passed under his body, however, he was possibly unsighted by the defender.
England led 2-0 at the break.
The game changed completely after half-time, no doubt helped by the three substitutions for Nigeria. After a good lead up a shot hit the post and rebounded to Alex Iwobi who hit the ball first time into the back of the net.
For the rest of the match, Nigeria played assured football and almost forced the equaliser. England only had a few moments towards the end of the second half with some of their replacements putting in good performances.
England manager Gareth Southgate would have been happy with the result and the first half performance in particular. Some of the combinations between the midfielders and the forwards were very pretty to watch.
Had Sterling’s radar been on England might have scored a few more.
In the second half, England’s spark seemed to go and Nigeria lifted. There was some good work from Victor Moses, and Iwobi the goalscorer had a good game. It must have been pleasing to be a Nigerian fan in that second half. There were moments where Nigeria was controlling possession and the game.
A very enjoyable game and a fantastic work out for both these teams. If England can keep up the type of form they showed in the first half they could do well in this World Cup.
Nigeria showed they are no easy beats and they will likely be the best-dressed team in Russia.
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