For the second game of their World Cup campaign, England were plodding rather than spectacular in their 2-0 win over Trinidad + Tobago. Until Peter Crouch towered at the far post to head England in front, it appeared that an unimaginative showing would only yield an embarrassing one point.

Indeed, the Lilt drinkers* could have counted themselves unfortunate to not be in the lead - John Terry scooping a goal bound first half effort from under his own bar. Gerrard added one of his customary long range specials in the final minute to add some undeserved gloss to the result, but the questions for Eriksson linger on.

It may be unfair to expect the earth from the returning Michael Owen after four months out, but this was a worrying performance from the Newcastle striker. On the edges of the game for the majority he missed an easy second half header and was replaced by Rooney before the hour.

His place in the first eleven must now be under serious jeopardy. Strike partner Crouch needed a goal to mask an error plagued game where he failed to hit the target with several attempts, while it appears Eriksson is loathe to use Walcott from the bench. Throw in a less than 100% Rooney and it adds up to a small pool of attacking options.

Of course if Frank Lampard and Steve Gerrard repeated their club level goal scoring antics, this would be less of a concern. Lampard had one of those games where he couldn’t quite get his sights while Gerrard was average at best before his late cracker.

The mystery of why this duo can’t play in tandem effectively rumbles on. Although with a booking hanging on him, Sven may choose to rest Gerrard for the Sweden game allowing Michael Carrick to play the holding role.

England may be in round two but have lacked the zip, of which the likes of Mexico, Portugal and especially Argentina have displayed. It’s difficult to see how Eriksson’s workmanlike tactics would compete with one of the aforementioned teams. The Sweden game may give him license to tinker with his team and England fans must hope that such a switch will produce a more exciting offering.

*Actually it must be stressed that despite adverts suggesting to the contrary, Lilt is unavailable to buy in Trinidad and Tobago.