I had to watch England's game against Japan on the late, late show instead of seeing it live because I was busy with the Hampshire Autistic Society watching the new Harry Potter film.

And when the second half of the football started, I thought Sven could have done with Harry's magic wand.

The basis of any football team is shape and pattern of play and undoubtedly the goalkeeper and back four were probably what most people would have selected.

But it's in midfield where the England's real problems arise.

There has been no natural left -sided midfield player for some time.

And while players like Steven Gerrard are very able and can handle the big stage, it is not always possible, nor is it even fair, to take players from their normal club positions and stick them out on the left-hand side when they are naturally right-sided players.

Beckham, Lampard, Scholes and Gerrard would get into most Premiership teams but to give the team a proper balance, whether it is 4-4-2 or a diamond shape in front of the back four, from the present bunch, the obvious combination on the left for me would be Wayne Bridge with Ashley Cole.

Both are excellent at getting forward, very quick and sharp and both are encouraged by their clubs to get into the opposition penalty area. Significantly, both players scored crucial goals in Europe last season.

Those two on the left would leave Gerrard able to play in his normal position in midfield, with Scholes or Lampard doing what they're best at and bursting into the box. And on current form, Lampard appears to have the edge.

David Beckham, for whatever reason, didn't cause the Japanese any problems. Whether it's his ankle or his head, let's hope he gets it sorted out for the French game in two weeks time.

Surely he is better when he plays wide, even though Real Madrid have given him more licence in midfield.

He's not a Paul Gascoigne but on his day is an excellent wide player whose delivery into the box is second to none.

Up front, naturally it is Michael Owen with one other.

Wayne Rooney is immensely strong and delivered one or two excellent passes against Japan, but the lack of height up front and the odd flash of temperament still from the youngster probably opens the door for big Emile Heskey again.

Some would scoff at the manager and captain saying after the game that everything went well against Japan for the first 35 minutes then tiredness set in.

Professionals would understand that up to a point, because training sessions had been held even on the morning of the game while even the game itself was just an extra session.

The preparation is all geared up for June 13, by which time training would have been scaled down, with concentration more on sharpening work and set pieces.

Looking at the opportunities Japan had, particularly from corners, some work has to be done on the marking in and around the six-yard box.

These are all part of the frustrations of international management. You may have the best 22 players at your disposal but they only play as a team occasionally.

Team spirit is always important and that appears to be good under Sven, so it's down to the organisation, and I'm sure a lot of work will be done in next few days on that aspect.

France will have noticed how Japan had a lot of possession which often looks impressive, but usually this happens in the back two thirds of the field.

The important third is the final one where England appear to be vulnerable on the flanks, although Gary Neville and Cole might argue that there are no defensive-type players in front of them when the midfield is playing a diamond formation.

So it will be interesting to see what, if anything, Sven does to improve.

Some of the Japanese were impressive but their names don't exactly roll off the tongue like Vieira, Pires, Zidane and, oh, dear me, Henry. I had better stop before I get depressed.