England head to Miami with more to prove

So what did we learn from Peru? They're among South America's weakest teams, haven't won for a year and from time-to-time looked a bit Arthur Daley with some questionable behaviour. 

Certainly more thought should be given to our friendly opposition. England public are too football-sophisticated to be soft soaped with such poor fare laid on at Wembley.

But there was no shortage of endeavour on our side. Daniel Sturridge, with his fourth goal in eleven internationals opened up a game in need of a goal and Leighton Baines is a real weapon from set pieces. He took the corner for the other two goals scored by Cahill and Jagielka. 

Joe Hart looked assured when needed keeping Peru out in the first half. 

But while defence seemed able, a question mark hangs over Glen Johnson, again found short against pretty ordinary opposition.

Roy Hodgson likes Johnson's ability to attack but is that a price too large to pay for his defensive inadequacies?

Wayne Rooney, who flatters to deceive in major tournaments wasn't short of application and commitment, but his lack of key match fitness reduced his ability to really make a difference. 

When substituted during the second half to give Roy a look at others, it was to disguise the fact he needed to be replaced. 

He needs match fitness after injury to realise his true potential.

Adam Lallana showed touches of class and his element of surprise could reap huge dividends in Brazil. 

When Raheem Sterling came on, his direct running at Peru gave England an attacking impetus and dimension missing up till then. 

But international football is too tactical for that kind of game.

I'd love to be proved wrong but we could be found wanting at this World Cup. Italy, Uruguay look weighty opposition. By the time we face Costa Rica in the final qualifying game, will it be too late?

Yes, there'll be a spirit of adventure about new young players given a first opportunity but if we're gung ho in Brazil, we'll be mopped up and eaten for breakfast by more experienced opposition. 

If Giggs is named in Van Gaal's team - so too should Scholes

Ryan Giggs has created a shortcut route to coaching and management credentials.

He steered rudderless Manchester United into their final four games of last season but despite mixed results, still lifted the post-Moyes gloom hanging like a Manchester rain cloud over Old Trafford.

The Welshman was dispatched by United to meet prospective boss Louis Van Gaal in Holland and it's reported he'll be offered the assistant manager's job when the Dutch coach is finally unveiled.

Fergie's greatest United players?

Sky Sports' Gary Cotterill chased Van Gaal down an Amsterdam street and though short on comment, he did confirm there was a "process" towards his appointment.

But if Giggs is in, then Paul Scholes should be too. He's a special talent http://vine.co/v/MjMr91P7XBB

In the dugout and on the training pitch, Scholes would provide Van Gaal with rapier-sharp analysis on players, their mood, conduct and behaviour.

Scholes was spot on about Jack Wilshere, saying he hadn't improved in the five years since bursting onto the scene at just seventeen. The Arsenal and England midfielder, who describes Scholes as the country's greatest ever midfielder saw fit to call him to elaborate.

Sir Alex Ferguson used to use the ginger maestro as a sounding board. Scholes walked out of the dressing room during Roy Keane's infamous rant which sealed his departure and advised he should sell Ruud van Nistelrooy for undermining group morale.

He didn't holler too much - but when he did, it meant something - usually decisive and withering.

Think of the invaluable experience, knowledge and continuity Scholes would bring to Van Gaal.

The Dutchman is a big character and bestowed with a huge track record, knows his own mind. But  Scholes and Giggs with a roll of honour longer than most people's arms, would stem Van Gaal from throwing the baby out with the bath water. 

Indeed, there's still a lot right with Manchester United if Paul Scholes is a coach at the club. 

LMA tear a strip off Manchester United for Moyes maltreatment

#Glazers' #mufc debt is £391m despite the #NYSE public offering.
— Jonny Gould (@jonnygould) April 24, 2014

The League Managers Association (LMA) has issued the following statement on behalf of David Moyes after his dismissal by Manchester United.

This picture sums it all up really. Compromised from day 1

David Moyes said:

"To have been appointed as manager of Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, was and remains something of which I will always be incredibly proud.

Taking charge after such a long period of continuous stability and success at the club was inevitably going to be a significant challenge, but it was one which I relished and never had a second thought about taking on. 

The scale of the manager’s job at United is immense, but I have never stepped away from hard work and the same applies to my coaching staff.  I thank them for their dedication and loyalty throughout the last season.  

We were fully focused and committed to the process of the fundamental rebuilding that is required for the senior squad. This had to be achieved whilst delivering positive results in the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League. However, during this period of transition, performances and results have not been what Manchester United and its fans are used to or expect, and I both understand and share their frustration.

In my short time at the club I have learnt what special places Old Trafford and Carrington are. I would like to thank the United staff for making me feel so welcome and part of the United family from my first day. And of course thank you to those fans who have supported me throughout the season. I wish you and the club all the best for the future.

I have always believed that a manager never stops learning during his career and I know I will take invaluable experience from my time as United's manager. I remain proud to have led the team to the quarter finals of this year's Champions League and I remain grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson for believing in my ability and giving me the chance to manage Manchester United”.

LMA Chief Executive, Richard Bevan said:

"The LMA is very disappointed with the nature of David's departure from Manchester United and to read extensive reports in the press, confirming David's sacking, before David himself had been spoken to officially by the club.  

Throughout his time at United, David, as he always does, has conducted himself with integrity and professionalism, values that he believes in and that have been strongly associated with the club and its rich tradition. It is therefore sad to see the end of David's tenure at United being handled in an unprofessional manner.

David is one of the most talented, knowledgeable and dedicated managers in British Football. He has a wealth of experience accumulated in a management career that started when he was 35 and already spans 16 years, with over 800 games in the professional game. David is a three-time winner of the LMA Manager of the Year Award, and without a doubt, he has a significant future in front of him in football management.  He is passionate about the game and I know he possesses the drive and resilience to learn from this chapter of his career and move on to a new challenge in the game.”

Wembley minute's silence gives way to respectful applause

This got a mixed reaction when I posted it on Twitter. It's spontaneous applause from the FA Cup semi-final between Hull and Sheffield United at Wembley.

It broke out within seconds of the referee's starting whistle. Compare it to the moving silence at Anfield before Liverpool's clash with Manchester City hours earlier.

It was as if Wembley was commemorating and Anfield was mourning.

There were those who understood the clapping. But some expressed that it seemed to celebrate the fight for justice rather than commemorate the dead.

25 years on and the wounds of Hillsborough will never quite heal completely.