Carragher solid as England stall in Spain

Last updated : 19 November 2004 By Rich Middleton
In a match which was marred by sickening racist abuse aimed at England's black players, Carragher played a solid forty minutes at the back, and made several good challenges.

The England performance was well below par, with only one off-target attempt, against Spains seven, but the disgusting behaviour of the Spanish fans was the main talking point of a tempestuous match.

Wayne Rooney was taken off five minutes before half time after several stupid challenges led to a yellow card, and his substitution resulted in the ex-Evertonian throwing away his black armband in remembrance of Emlyn Hughes to the ground. The Man Utd strikers lack of respect for one of the greatest players to eminate from Rooneys home town should result in a full explanation and apology from this so-called 'Boy Wonder'.

But with Aragones refusing to condemn the racist chanting in a post-match interview, Spanish football may have won the match, but they have well and truly lost the plot.