I didn't see Joe Cole faking injury. I saw him thump in a magnificent goal and then provide an inch perfect cross for Steve Gerrard's goal. I saw him running at defenders and generally playing very well.
Of course I am disappointed with England's performance. However, the Germans are also very relieved not to be playing England on Saturday. I would say that of all the teams left, Germany is the one, which England is best equipped to beat. At times last night England kept the ball on the ground and moved it around quickly. Then in the second half, England suddenly collapsed, as they had against Sweden in the previous World Cup.
It is not unknown for England to suddenly step up a gear when they need it. They did that in 1986, 1990 and again in the last World Cup. My nagging fear is that the return of Peter Crouch will also herald the return of all that "big man in the middle crap". In fact, Michael Owen scores more often with his head. Playing the ball up in the air gives the opposition more time to see what is coming and to regroup their defence quicker.
The loss of Michael Owen is the hardest blow to bear. The Argentines and the Germans are both sick of the sight of him. You can't replace a player like that.