Sri Lanka blown away by unbelievable England attack

This was a match surely heading for a draw. Well that at least was the general consensus up and down the country, after a rain affected first test between England and Sri Lanka in Cardiff. If we hadn't had as much poor weather our troops would surely have won, but ah well we'll re-group and try again at Lords. The hosts bowling attack though had different ideas, and despite starting hours late, produced a amazing display to terrorize the visiting nation

After a first innings total of 400 all out it was reported Sri Lanka were in the box seat, but a poor bowling display combined with tremendous batting from England put paid to that idea. With 3 ton plus scores, Alistair Cook 133, Ian Bell 103 and of course Eion Morgan's 203, England wrestled the initiative. Declaring on 496/5.

This, it seemed, wouldn't provide enough time to bowl the visitors out. But at least it gave a half chance, and a look at any potential weaknesses ahead of the next two test. However as soon as Chris Tremlett reduced Sri Lanka to 1/1, the initiative never left England and they took full advantage. With Tremlett and Graeme Swann both sharing four wickets each, Stuart Broad came back into the attack and cleaned up the last two wickets. A score of 82 all out, giving England an unlikely 1-0 lead.

They will now no doubt head to lords feeling invincible. To snatch a victory from the jaws of a certain draw in an amazing feat. Sri Lanka will certainly be up against it, but the real test of this sides credentials comes later this summer. When India come visiting, that will be the real test.

England disappoint against Montenegro!

After that shambles in the summer, England fans were once again beginning to get optimistic following a series of victories.

Added into this mix was the emergence of new talents, think Adam Johnson, and it was widely believed that Euro 2012 qualification was a mere formality.

But who are England to disappoint, and right on cue they have reminded their public that this isn't the case with a very poor performance.

Should this have been against one of the top sides, a draw wouldn't seem so bad but it was against the side tipped to finish bottom of the group.

Well that certainly is the case if you tip the current table upside down.

Added into the mix is also their current standing in the FIFA rankings, where Montenegro sit fortieth one ahead of Colombia and just behind Burkina Faso.

Montenegran fans celebrated like they had won at the final whistle at Wembley and who could blame them, if it wasn't for a lick of paint they could well have done.

But with Joe Hart well beat Milan Jovanovic's shot shuddered off the bar, and reminded England not to be too complacent.

The Sixth ranked best side in the world dominated possession for the most part, but struggled to make any real openings.

And when they did they found a keeper in top form, with Mladen Bozovic proving the last line in what was mostly a very staunch defence.

People connected with the national side will point to the clear penalty that should have been awarded when Jovanovic handled in the box.

But the truth is England shouldn't struggle to break these sides down, even if they settle for the most part.

Ashley Young and Adam Johnson may be the positives to take out of the game, with both being lively but during the course of the whole game not seeing enough of the ball.

Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole were also subdued in attacking from their full back berths, something we are all to used to seeing.

Most worrying of all though for Fabio Capello and Sir Alex Ferguson alike, will be another subdued performance from Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United striker of a few months ago would have buried the two chances that fell his way, but on the night Bozovic thwarted him.

Injuries should have subsided by the next qualifier in Cardiff in March, but before that is the friendly against France at Wembley next month.

A stark improvement is needed if the three lions are to get back on track.