Brill, Baby!!

My beloved Nicky had another brilliant game for England today, his vision setting up the first goal--Butty to Owen to L******--his unstinting tenacity and ability to hold off Wales winning back the ball he calmly flipped to Beckham for the second. An amazing outing. All 90 minutes, all action, a hand (metaphorically speaking) in both goals, and no injury. He was everywhere, laying down the tackles, winning the ball, passing well, and keeping the middle of the park ticking over. And keeping Wales at bay. He even had time to give Bellars, his Welsh teammate at Newcastle, a friendly little Geordie love thump in the second half!!

One of many favorite moments: Nicky shielding Giggsy with his hand to avoid hurting him after Beckham had felled Giggs just as Nicky was flying in with the tackle.

Favorite moment of all and a lasting memory: Nicky coming off the pitch wearing Giggsy's Wales shirt. Nicky rarely swaps shirts and I've never seen him put one on after swapping. Knowing what this match meant to Giggsy, it was a very touching tribute to his best mate, especially as Giggs was apparently also wearing Nicky's shirt but inside out, perhaps so as not to leave the pitch with the Three Lions on his chest. This match meant so much to Giggsy and he was obviously gutted at the loss. Top class, Nicky. You're a good friend.

(pics and player ratings to follow...if they're any good.)