WHAT a difference putting round pegs into round holes makes, the balance of the side was right and even the injury to Owen Hargreaves who, by the way, looks an outstanding prospect for the future at this level, did not upset the shape.

In fact by bringing on a natural wide man in Trevor Sinclair it allowed Paul Scholes to go back into his more favoured position alongside the very impressive Nicky Butt.

They controlled midfield and, as I was saying last week, protected the back four when the pressure was on in that last 15 minutes.

I could not understand Sven Goran Eriksson's decision not to take Steve McManaman; not only does he play for one of the best club sides in the world in Real Madrid, he could have handled that left hand side problem.

But after Trevor Sinclair's performance on Friday, he deserved his chance.

How often do you hear coaches and managers talk about being or staying focused?

Well if you don't know what being focused means, take a look at David Beckham before that penalty.

The goalkeeper was talking to him, his old mate Diego Simeone was trying to shake his hand.

Beckham's eyes were fixed on the job in hand, he kept his nerve and did what 99 per cent of players who dared to put themselves in that position would do and blasted the ball down the middle.

The captain has made the word focused his own over the last four years. He has grown up from a spoilt brat to an outstanding person and footballer.

It will be interesting to see what sort of reception he gets away from Old Trafford next season.

I hope he gets the reception he deserves because all true England football fans want England to do well. The captain more than anyone.

Before I finish this week, what about Ireland? They were magnificent against Germany. To see Argentina and German fans both sulking, all in the same week, makes life so sweet.