Michael Owen's World Cup seems to be over. We don't know yet exactly what injury had him stretchered off in the first minute, but it looked like ligaments to me. That means at least six months out. Boy do I hope I am wrong, but I don't think so.
The other worrying aspect was England's lack of leadership and fitness collapse in the second half. Steve Gerrard's arrival was able to do something about the former, but nothing about the latter. He scored an excellent goal, which England did not deserve. Then England gifted Sweden an equaliser, which Sweden certainly had done more than enough to earn.
Peter Crouch was well out of his depth and Rooney was knackered by the time he was pulled off. Rooney had done a very good job, but his legs had gone. Joe Cole had one of his best ever England games, having scored a brilliant opener and then crossing for Gerrard's goal. The England passing and movement fell apart after half time though. God help them if they do that against one of the stronger teams.
They have five days to get prepared and organised for Ecuador. At this stage, I don't think they should look any further. Still, they have avoided Germany, so the football gods are still smiling on them. Germany looked good yesterday afternoon, but Ecuador rested five players. England have it all to do now and with Owen out and Rooney not yet fit, nobody will expect them to progress beyond the quarter finals. Even Sunday afternoon is likely to be a close thing.