Wales shed the tag of patronised whipping-boys despite defeat to England, thanks to an assured team performance

In recent times there has been little to cheer in Welsh international football, as performances and results have slipped, helping their descent to 117th in the FIFA world rankings; their lowest ever position.

England’s last meeting with Wales in Cardiff contributed to this, as they brushed them aside with patronising ease. Two early goals settled the game and the visitors simply placed a hand on their hosts head so that they couldn’t reach to swing a punch for the remainder of the match.

The fact that the game was only manager Gary Speed’s second in charge could be attributed to the manner of the result.

This mattered not though to the English press who revelled in the victory whilst simultaneously gently patronising the opposition by using words such as ‘plucky’ to describe their performance, as if they were the Dog & Duck Pub XI playing Barcelona.

Brave, courageous, gutsy, valiant and noble in defeat were all doubtlessly used to depict a performance that was nothing more than poor.

The English press though opted to be patronisingly positive to little Wales, painting a picture that the underdogs gave their all and defeat was the best they could hope for at the hands of their more illustrious neighbours.

Last night’s meeting at Wembley though suggested that this needn’t necessarily be the case.

The 113 place difference in the FIFA world rankings, the Euro 2012 qualification table and the gulf in the team’s salary and market value all point to the fact that England should have politely strolled off into the sunset with victory.

However, it was Wales that were the better team on the night for the majority of the game, in particular in the second half, enjoying the lion’s share of possession with which they should have drawn an equaliser, but for Robert Earnshaw’s awful miss from six yards.

Admittedly England were off colour, stodgy and lifeless, (much like Frank Lampard) but that’s far from unexpected from Fabio Capello’s side who seem to fluctuate from the domineering war horse they’re expected to be, to intimidated pansies.

There were flashes of England’s quality and the goal was well worked and well taken by Ashley young, but it was far from “vintage” stuff as Clive Tyldsely would have you believe.

Wales influence on the game though wasn’t merely because of England’s inadequacy, as they were assured and measured on the ball and patient in their build-up play.

Gareth Bale’s abilities are well known and according to popular reports, James Milner’s inclusion was said to be with the express purpose of suppressing the Tottenham wide man’s influence on the game.

He was however able exert his presence and he linked up well with Aaron Ramsey, who dictated the tempo of the game after the break and was deservedly the man of the match.

Andrew Crofts provided an excellent screen to the defence and ensured that keeper Wayne Hennessey had little to do but pick the ball out of the net.

England’s clinicism though is something that Wales were sorely lacking, which was exaggerated by Earnshaw’s six yard conversion.

The absence of the suspended Craig Bellamy was felt and a consistent goal-getter is definitely needed if Wales are to grow from patronised whipping-boys to a confident, assured and difficult team to play against, which based on last night’s performance they have every chance of doing.

Tags: Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal, England, Euro 2012, Wales, Wembley