1.   England captain David Platt played in a more attacking role than usual but his team looked bereft of confidence and ideas.

2.   David Beckham, who came on as a substitute against Romania, is more effective in an attacking role than Ince but lacks his biting tackling.

3.   The veteran Youri Djorkaeff did not impress against Senegal and has a slight groin injury while Christophe Dugarry is only comfortable playing a more attacking role.

4.   The veteran Youri Djorkaeff failed to impress against Senegal and has a slight groin injury while Christophe Dugarry is only comfortable playing a more attacking role.

5.   Leading marskman van Nistelrooy played as a lone striker while Ryan Giggs was switched from the left wing to partner the Dutchman in a more withdrawn attacking role.

6.   Only two of eight games were held on serve in the second set as Sanchez Vicario took on a more attacking role and Novotna lost her momentum.

7.   The defence which employs three centre-backs and releases the full-backs into attacking roles, has tightened up in recent weeks.