In other circumstances the media would have had a field day, but then they will anyway. Stand by for a week of will he, won’t he be fit to play against Poland.
Linda, as in Linda Buthelezei, is a name which conveys an image that does not stand the test of meeting. Not that you would tell him, though, as the 27-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has a shaven head that suggests steeliness which is not a facade. He is the hard man of the South African squad who collects cautions like some people compile rare postage stamps.

“When I watch Paul Ince play I see myself,” he said, which may not be taken as a compliment by the Internazionale player.Indeed when Buthelezei, a non-drinking, non-smoking churchgoer, tells you he follows Jesus, you suspect the Almighty is looking over his shoulder for a chop from behind “Most teams are scared of me,” he said. Substitutes: Sikhosana (Orlando Pirates) for Augustine, 54; Mkhalele (Orlando Pirates) for Khumalo, 76; Buthelezei (Mamelodi Sundowns) for Tinkler, 88; Bartlett (Colorado Rapids, US) for Masinga, 88.Referee: A Frisk (Sweden). Bookings: South Africa: Tovey, Buthelezei.Man of the match: Lee Attendance: 52,676.. There were any number of ways you could imagine Paul Gascoigne attracting headlines with someone called Linda. Substitutes: Batty (Newcastle United) for Redknapp, 56; Scholes (Manchester United) for Sheringham, 63; Beckham (Manchester United) for Le Saux, 67; Butt (Manchester United) for Lee, 79); Campbell (Tottenham Hotspur) for Gascoigne , 90.SOUTH AFRICA (3-5-2): Arendse (Cape Town Spurs); Tovey (Kaizer Chiefs), Fish (Lazio), Radebe (Leeds United); Motaung (Tenerife), Tinkler (Cagliari), Moshoeu (Kocaelispor, Turkey), Moeti (Orlando Pirates), Khumalo (Columbus Crew, US); Augustine (Linzer ASK, Austria), Masinga (Salernitana, Italy). The game was effectively over but not, unfortunately, the drama.Goals: Lee (20) 1-0; Masinga (43) 1-1; Wright (75) 2-1.ENGLAND (3-5-2): Martyn (Leeds United); Keown (Arsenal), Southgate (Aston Villa), Pearce (Nottingham Forest); P Neville (Manchester United), Lee (Newcastle United), Redknapp (Liverpool), Gascoigne (Rangers), Le Saux (Blackburn Rovers); Sheringham (Tottenham); Wright (Arsenal). They should have been well clear by the time defensive hesitation, and John Moshoeu’s skill, created an equaliser for Phil Masinga.Gascoigne’s free-kick and Scholes’ clever flick set up Wright for the winner though he needed a helping hand – one of his own.

“Paul would have had no chance of starting against Poland without this game.”Besides, it was also good experience for Phil Neville, who took full advantage of Doctor Khumalo’s impression of David Ginola’s lazy wing-back routine, and Scholes, who made an impressive debut as substitute.Neville and Lee were both prominent in the early stages and combined for Sheringham’s cross for Lee to put England ahead after 20 minutes. Then he was injured.”What with that injury and Redknapp’s, perhaps the game should not have been played? No, said Hoddle with justification. I told him we did not need a spectacular performance.”He lasted the 90 minutes and looked in good shape He got stronger as he went on In a way that counted against us. I had planned to take him off as fatigue can lead to pulled muscles and I thought he’d tire, but he did not so we left him on.

With Rob Lee working hard and getting forward off the ball, the trio had a nice balance. Lee may have played himself into next week’s game ahead of David Batty, who was awful when he came on, reminding one of all his limitations. His first touch gave away the ball, his second a foul.And Gascoigne? “He was spot on today with his performance,” said Hoddle. “He did some very positive things, created things in the last third, and played very sensibly. His passing ability is good but it is simple passes.”Redknapp, as before, also worked well with Gascoigne in midfield. I have said to Jamie that if we had the old rule allowing over-age players in the under-21s he would have had five or six games by now in that position.

As it is we, were hoping to play him there in France.”Hoddle’s options are now limited. There are few friendlies next season, which could mean forgetting the idea until after the World Cup.”There is no-one at the moment who can play that position in the league,” he added. “Sol Campbell is a tremendous defender and adequate on the ball, but he is not someone who would come out and make a difference. He is not playing there for his club – I’ve not even spoken to Roy about it, that sort of thing is always difficult.”It can only be done in friendlies.