In particular, Joe Hart’s intervention proved crucial for the Three Lions as they went on to beat Brazil 2-1 at Wembley.
‘England’s no.1’ is a familiar chant from the Etihad stands as Blues fans show their appreciation of Hart, whose superiority between the posts has long since made him first choice for club and country.
He was given another opportunity to prove his credentials when Ronaldinho stepped up to take the spot kick after Jack Wilshere was judged to have handled in the area.
Hart dove low to his left to deny the initial shot, and then defied all expectation to leap to his feet and get down immediately to his right to deny Ronaldinho the rebound, before the ball was eventually cleared by Tom Cleverley.
Watch Joe Hart talking about his save to FATV.
The City stopper’s handling and his command of his penalty box remained impressive against a subdued Brazil. He refused to be intimidated by the reputation of reported City target Neymar, and focused on enhancing his own.
When the equaliser arrived, not even Hart could get near it. He leaped acrobatically but his fingers stretched in vain as Fred’s shot whizzed into the top corner.
A second of the Blues English contingent, James Milner, came on with 30 minutes to go for a taste of the action. He added industry in the left wing role and made some good runs to add to the attacking threat. Joleon Lescott was also part of the squad as an unused substitute.
In Sweden, Aguero was showing the finishing talent that Blues fans are lucky enough to witness on a regular basis.
Beating the opposition defence with customary ease, the City striker released a delicious chip over the onrushing goalkeeper. His stunning goal restored Argentina’s lead after they allowed Sweden to cancel out a Mikael Lustig own goal.
Blues fan favourite Pablo Zabaleta also put in a familiarly solid 60 minutes at right back for his country.
The game finished with Argentina 3-2 victors.
