Some positives to take from the game :-

Micah Richards proved that the hype isn't just hype.

Although at his best playing at CB, as long as Ferdinand and Terry are fit he's unlikely, yet, to be picked ahead of them. As a RB he is still a truly outstanding performer. He has power, pace and a lot of skill on the ball for a defender.

Could you ever see Gary Neville assisting Lampard's goal in the way that Richards did ?

Richards has to be 1st choice RB now.

Also, Joe Cole and Fat Frank played very well. I was particularly happy for Lampard after the amount of unfair criticism he has endured.

So, apart from Richards, what else did we learn ?

Well, once again Alan Smith showed that he just isn;t good enough for this level of football. His performance against Brazil was an embarrassment and last night wasn't much better.

Paul Robinson was once again beaten by a shot from outside the area after having gifted the Germans the equaliser. David James, for all his potential of having one of his calamitous moments, has been a far more reliable goalkeeper over the past year or so .......... although, to be honest, I'd rather Scott Carson be installed as the new No.1 and given his chance of an extended run.

There were enough signs there that, with a decent forward line and goalkeeper, we shouldn't have too many problems in qualifying for next summer's Euros.

Have to admit I only saw about ten minutes of it, I care so little about England at the moment, but in that time I saw Lampard's goal and Owen's near miss - and from the former incident Richards' contribution cannot be undermined. Good to see him playing so far forward too, but Beckham playing deep? Would prefer to see the likes of Lescott or Hoyte given an opportunity than a bloke flying back from his retirement package club.

The big thing that we learned last night was that of all the talent that we have to pick from very few have the hunger that Shaun Wright-Philips showed last night. He was only given 10 minutes but surely he must be in the starting eleven next time around.

Kudos to Mr. Beckham for his dogged determination to achieve 100 caps but a round trip from LA for a meaningless friendly may be pushing it a little too far. Especially given the fact that he is not 100% fit.

Agreed on Richards - for a centre back he has a keen eye for a half chance.

Good bye Mr. Robinson (there's a song in there somewhere). Stroll around the grounds until you fel at home!!!

I disagree with your assessment on Lampard. He did exactly what he didn't need to do, drop deep consistently picking the ball up from the centre backs. In doing so it limits the attacking opportunities through the middle, and I firmly believe that the overcrowding in the final third resulted in the second German goal.

Richards should now be first choice right back, especially if David Beckham is going to be first choice right midfield. We need someone with pace and power to carry out the overlapping runs.

Robinson was found out again last night, another poor performance. Cannot see him continuing in the number 1 jersey. But I think for the time being with crucial qualifiers coming up, that David James is the best man for the job, now isn't the time to put fresh blood into the nets. James has worked with the defence before so they'll be some understanding.

Should England qualify for Euro 2008, the campaign for SA2010 will be the time to bring fresh blood into the team.

Robinson should never be allowed to pull on an England shirt again, the man is a liability.