Great Expectations

Whether England's next generation has the potential to accomplish what the current setup has not been able to – win a major tournament

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The England national team travel to Montenegro this week for a crucial qualifying match on Friday night. A win or draw in Podgorica would ensure progression to the Euro 2012 finals next summer, while a loss would leave England's qualification hopes out of their own hands and resting in the balance of a play-off match. England's opponents will prove a much more difficult challenge than many are anticipating, given that Montenegro have conceded just three goals in six qualifiers. However, England are expected to advance to the finals next year – but what is everyone expecting with the current setup?

Even the most patriotic fan will tell you that England have fallen way below expectation in recent tournaments, dating back to a semi-final appearance at Euro 1996. Current FIFA world rankings rate England as the eighth best team in the world (which arguably flatters Fabio Capello's side) – but at times they seem so far behind their European counterparts – Spain, Netherlands and Germany to name a few - who are ranked higher, and for good reason. England have also struggled against Croatia and Russia in recent times, not to mention supposed 'unknowns' like their Eastern European opponents this weekend.

Critics argue that England have been reliant on the same players for too long – without success. John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole, who have all enjoyed lengthy international careers, have been the core of the side for many years. But time catches up - now all five are over the age of 30 – so should Capello look to the future sooner rather than later? Some of those players may soon not be considered for another major tournament – be it next year's finals, or those in 2014. Germany are a side who have proven that such a method works, with coach Joachim Loew opting for future starlets at the time Thomas Mueller and Mesut Ozil ahead of more experienced players at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa – a choice which resulted in Germany reaching the semi-finals of the tournament, Mueller winning the Golden Boot and Ozil transferring to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer.

Should England consider a similar approach for Euro 2012? Here are some of the players who could feature in that squad – and in future tournaments to come.

Defenders

Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Kyle Naughton, (Norwich City), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea)

First off, Joe Hart appears likely to hold the number one goalkeeper's spot for some time. But some England's centre backs are ageing. Capello has already handed international debuts to Chris Smalling and Kieran Gibbs, but might consider Phil Jones as an option after forging a successful partnership with Smalling at Manchester United. Jones has also been impressive at England U-21 level, which boosts his chances of featuring next summer – should he receive sufficient playing time under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Kyle Walker enjoyed a successful loan spell at Aston Villa last season before rejoining parent club Tottenham Hotspur this year. An excellent performance against Arsenal at the weekend was enough for Capello to call Walker to the squad to face Montenegro, but such a decision could be reactionary in spite of his talent. Micah Richards is likely to feature next summer as backup for Glen Johnson, but Walker should provide healthy competition – especially if he enjoys a good domestic season. Kyle Naughton has impressed at newly-promoted Norwich City after a summer move from Tottenham (last season he stood out at Championship side Leicester City, scoring five goals), so Capello has several options at right-back.

The left-back position – dominated by Ashley Cole in recent years – is more susceptible. There are fewer up-and-comers in this spot. Kieran Gibbs has a chance to impress in the wake of Bacary Sagna's injury last weekend, which sees the Frenchman sidelined for around three months. If Gibbs can help to steady a leaky Arsenal defence, it will bolster his chances of a call-up next year. Chelsea's Ryan Bertrand has also played for England since the age of 16, but will need to be given the chance to impress there ahead of Cole before an inclusion into the national team.

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Kieran Gibbs (right) has the chance to shine for Arsenal ahead of England's Euro 2012 campaign

Midfielders

Jack Wilshire (Arsenal), Jack Rodwell (Everton), Scott Sinclair (Swansea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Henri Lansbury (West Ham United – on loan from Arsenal), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Marc Albrighton (Aston Villa), Josh McEachran (Chelsea), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)

England's midfield has arguably overcome its biggest problem already. The seemingly inevitable selection of both Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard has proven time and time again to be an ineffective partnership, in spite of former individual success. But with Lampard now aged 33 and Gerrard having faced a lengthy spell on the sideline due to injury, this could pave the way for future midfielders to break through.

Jack Wilshire already faces enormous pressure regarding both his domestic and international future. At the age of 19, he has already been tipped for greatness and is likely to be a pivotal figure in the England setup for years to come. There is no doubt that he could play an important holding role from which Fabio Capello forms his midfield, but for this to work he would need the right balance around him. Everton's Jack Rodwell also has a chance to impress and step up from U21 level during Wilshire's period of injury, which will see the teenager out of action until early next year.

Tom Cleverley has been a revelation at Manchester United this year after impressive loan spells at Leicester City, Watford and Wigan Athletic in recent seasons. Only injury has kept him out of Sir Alex's plans lately after a fantastic start to the Premier League with the Red Devils, and should be a part of the England team in years to come.

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Tom Cleverley has already been backed by manager Sir Alex Ferguson to play for England

Since transferring from Chelsea in 2010, Scott Sinclair has been outstanding for Swansea – scoring 22 times in the league and helping the Swans gain promotion to the top flight this year. However, although Sinclair is a playmaker, he is predominantly a winger which may see his chances of an England call-up reduced ahead of the likes of Stewart Downing and Ashley Young. Nevertheless, Capello may want to see more of him this season.

Jordan Henderson has already played for England but will need to establish a first-team spot at Liverpool in order to secure a regular spot at international level. The likes of Henri Lansbury, Marc Albrighton, Josh McEachran and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all in a similar position, but are capable of rising through the ranks at their respective clubs in order to catch the eye of Fabio Capello. There are definitely enough young midfielders capable of excelling for England if given the opportunity.

Forwards

Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea)

Like the goalkeeping situation, England's availability of strikers is not a huge concern; however, a drop in form or an injury could open up a spot in the starting XI for a young talent.

Andy Carroll had a fantastic start to Premier League life with Newcastle before joining Liverpool in January 2011 for £35 million – a price tag many argue that he will never be able to fulfil. However, Carroll has already impressed Fabio Capello enough to be handed his England debut, and scored in a 1-1 friendly with Ghana. He should feature in next year's squad, but whether he will be a starter rather than an impact player is uncertain.

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Andy Carroll has made three appearances for England so far

Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge have had a similar last couple of years. Both enjoyed successful loan spells at other Premier League sides last season (Sunderland and Bolton Wanderers respectively) before returning to their parent clubs, impressing their managers enough to feature regularly in important fixtures. Bearing in mind that said clubs are Manchester United and Chelsea, this should not be underestimated. Both Welbeck and Sturridge were also regular goal scorers at U21 level for England, boosting their chances of a call-up next year.

Barring any major injury or huge drop in form this season, Wayne Rooney is the only dead certainty for England at Euro 2012 – in terms of strikers. The likes of Darren Bent, Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch have often been overlooked in the past by Capello, regardless of form. If Welbeck can establish a strong partnership with Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford this season, a call-up is likely. Daniel Sturridge is in a slightly more difficult position due to extra competition at Chelsea, as well as a lack of stability in terms of the line-up. But both possess the ability to succeed for England and should be given an opportunity to impress.

So can England's new Lions succeed where former sides have failed? Whether Fabio Capello will choose to adopt such an approach is uncertain. Whether it would work is unclear. But an inclusion of youth in the Euro 2012 could be just what is needed to help England reach its potential, as well as to meet national expectations. Capello, the media, and fans have all seen what the golden era of players are capable of. Maybe now is the time to see what the future holds.

Tottenham winning the war, not just the battle

Spurs starting to look like the Arsenal of old as the balance of power shifts in North London

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Tottenham Hotspur's 2-1 win over local rivals Arsenal yesterday may not have been the classic encounter that football fans have come to expect in recent years. In fact, not only did it fail to live up to its expectation of a fiercely-contested and action-packed derby, it was a relatively quiet, perhaps subdued affair – especially in comparison to the 2008 4-4 classic which saw Tottenham stage an incredible injury-time comeback.

During the match, however, one thing was noticeable. Arsenal are not the top side in North London anymore.

Some Spurs fans may argue that their rivals never were the better side. However, Arsene Wenger has certainly had Arsenal playing at a consistently high level over the last decade, whereas Tottenham have undergone several managerial changes before the appointment of Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane in 2008 started to steer them in the right direction. In that sense, the majority of neutrals would have considered Arsenal as the stronger side at the end of last season.

Tottenham were not the dominant side against Arsenal yesterday, nor were Arsene Wenger's men particularly poor. But both clubs have made a number of changes and decisions over the last six months which have seen the tables turn.

The biggest difference is in midfield. Arsenal lost two key players over the summer, namely Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively. Those two players alone either scored or set up 39 per cent of Arsenal's 72 league goals last season. Mikel Arteta, who was signed by Wenger from Everton seemingly as a replacement, has a very difficult job on his hands to fill the boots of two world-class playmakers – especially considering Arsenal's ever-growing injury list.

In contrast, Totteham's midfield is a thing of beauty. Harry Redknapp was able to fend off interest from other Premier League clubs in Luka Modric, whilst securing the signing of England international Scott Parker from West Ham United for £5 million in arguably the transfer of the season to date. The starting midfield line-up of Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Scott Parker and Rafael Van Der Vaart against the Gunners yesterday would have made Arsene Wenger green with envy – especially considering players such as Niko Kranjcar, Tom Huddlestone, Sandro and Jake Livermore are also on the fringes.

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How important was it for Tottenham to keep Luka Modric over the summer? 

In recent seasons, Arsenal have managed to cover up their defensive frailties with the ability to create a number of goal-scoring opportunities every game. But with injuries to Laurent Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen and now Bacary Sagna who suffered a broken leg in yesterday's clash, their defense now seems suspect; this was highlighted after Arsenal conceded 12 goals in two consecutive league matches away from home against Manchester United and Blackburn. The addition of German international Per Mertesacker which seemed so good on paper has done nothing to strengthen Arsenal's backline, and their back four yesterday included midfielder Alex Song. Whilst Tottenham are not renowned for their defensive nature, their options are certainly plentiful in comparison.

Finally, Totteham's loan-signing of Emmanuel Adebayor was another great decision by Harry Redknapp – if not somewhat controversial. The Togolese striker spent three and a half years with Arsenal before moving to Manchester City in 2009. After half a season with Spanish giants Real Madrid, Adebayor signed a year-long loan deal with Spurs this summer and has since found the net three times in five league games. On the contrary, although Arsenal still have Robin Van Persie - undoubtedly one of the best strikers the Premier League has ever seen - something still does not seem right. The loss of Fabregas and Nasri has left the Dutch forward with a heavy burden to carry. Although Gervinho did join the club this summer, he is a different type of player and, although it is still early in the season it seems unlikely to be able to pick up where the former left off. Marouane Chamakh has failed to impress since arriving at the Emirates Stadium last season, leaving question marks over where Arsenal's goals are going to come from.

Although there was no gulf in class during yesterday's match, at times it did seem as if Tottenham and Arsenal are headed in different directions. Although Arsene Wenger's has his side in the Champions League this season, Tottenham have the stronger squad by far - as indicated by yesterday's starting XI. The slight additions made by Harry Redknapp has improved his side - potentially to a top-four finish - while Wenger's panic-buying combined with several injured players could prove to be his longest season as a manager. At times so far this season, Spurs have looked like the side Arsenal used to be a few years ago – and the side Arsenal fans probably still wish they were.

New-look Leicester impressing at the right time

Leicester City's 4-0 victory over local rivals Derby County yesterday evening could hardly have come at a better time - just before the international break, and in front of a massive Sky television audience.

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The win was emphatic and maintained Sven-Goran Eriksson's strong record in East Midlands derby matches. But more importantly, it highlighted that this Leicester side is starting to gel.

It is no big secret that the Leicester, recently referred to as the 'Manchester City of the Championship' on Sky Sports, have invested in big-name players this summer. The likes of Paul Konchesky, David Nugent and John Pantsil all have extensive Premier League experience, while Matt Mills and Jermaine Beckford came with heavy price tags. After a sluggish start with some below-par results (and performances), the victory over Derby emphasised the overall quality Leicester City possess.

However, such a victory has been on the cards for some time. On the back of a seven-game unbeaten run and four consecutive clean sheets (including two excellent draws at Cardiff and Middlesborough) it seemed only a matter of time before things would start to click. Matt Mills has been outstanding in his last few outings for the Foxes, while centre-back partner Sol Bamba has excelled all season. As a result, Leicester have conceded just nine goals in 10 league matches, the second fewest in the Championship. The entire back line are playing with confidence; both in themselves and with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel - and vice versa.

The midfield has suffered injuries - Richie Wellens and Michael Johnson being the latest. But each player raised their game yesterday, which will add a competitive element to the selection process. Andy King and Gelson Fernandes are both playmakers who can change the nature of a match, while Yuki Abe and Neil Danns have been solid when called upon.

Credit must also be paid to the forwards. Darius Vassell has been a revelation this season. The former England international is enjoying his finest form for the Foxes, looking more of a threat playing as an out-and-out striker rather than as a winger. The return of David Nugent yesterday was a huge boost to the side, and youngster Jeffrey Schlupp proved he can cause real problems for defenders with his unique combination of size and pace. When Jermaine Beckford returns from injury, Sven-Goran Eriksson will be spoilt for choice, and also given somewhat of a selection headache - but an enjoyable one.

That takes us to the manager. Sven-Goran Eriksson has done a tremendous job of remaining patient with his players confident in the knowledge that it was only a matter of time before things started to click. He will know that he is under pressure to deliver this season. Yesterday's game against Derby marked his anniversary with Leicester - a year in charge for the Swede. During that time, Leicester have taken 75 points from 46 games - more often than not, a total good enough for the play-offs. And now that he has had the summer to tailor-make a squad, this side is constantly improving.

Expectation is still high, but the hard work is paying off. Teams don't instantly click overnight; it does take time. Leicester enter the international break in eighth place, just one point outside the playoffs. But Sven's men are slowly and surely making things happen, and, after a slow start, they're doing it under the radar.

Leicester City 1 Brighton 0 - 17th September 2011

A second-half goal from Yuki Abe was enough to give Leicester City their second successive home win and end newly promoted Brighton’s undefeated start to the season.

The Japanese international rose well at the far post to head past Casper Ankergren just after half-time following some great hold-up play by Darius Vassell in what proved to be the decisive moment in the game.

Craig Mackail-Smith inexplicably volleyed over from six yards for the away side before Marcos Painter was sent off for a second bookable offence after handling the ball.

Both sides had chances to score but Leicester held on for the three points; a win which pushed them up to ninth in the Championship and subsequently knocked Brighton off the top of the table.

The Foxes have now won consecutive home games for the first time this season, and manager Sven Goran-Eriksson will have been delighted with his side’s work rate in the second-half.

It was Brighton who started the game strongly, however, and could have taken the lead through Craig Mackail-Smith, but his unmarked header fell straight into the hands of Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

But against the run of play, Leicester inexplicably had a goal disallowed when Lee Peltier fired past Ankergren – but Darius Vassell was adjudged by referee Graham Scott to have been fouled in the build-up, despite there being a clear advantage to the home side.

Paul Konchesky fired the subsequent free-kick into the wall but the passage of play seemed to spark Leicester into life, with Andy King’s fierce strike forcing Casper Ankergren to make a good diving save.

As the half progressed, Brighton looked the side more likely to break the deadlock – but five minutes before the break, Sol Bamba tested Ankergren with a downward header from Richie Wellens’ corner; the ball bouncing before the former Leeds shot stopper did enough to tip it over the bar.

Matt Mills also headed over and Andy King fired wide from 25 yards in a relatively forgettable first-half in which the hosts lacked any real creativity, although did match their counterparts in terms of solid defending.

Leicester were ahead less than a minute after the restart when Darius Vassell made space for himself on the left side, avoiding two Brighton defenders, before playing a fantastic ball to the back post where Yuki Abe was unmarked to fire home a strong header past the helpless Ankergren.

It was Abe’s first goal of the season in which he had featured irregularly to date, but wonderfully worked by the former England international Vassell and a fantastic start to the second-half for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men.

Brighton should have been level minutes later, however, when Ashley Barnes picked out team-mate Craig Mackail-Smith in the Leicester penalty area, but the front man somehow cleared the crossbar from less than six yards out.

New signing Jermaine Beckford had been kept quiet in the first-half, but began to impress in the second on 55 minutes by passing two Brighton players before setting up Gelson Fernandes, who fired over.

Beckford then tested Ankergren with a shot from distance to which the goalkeeper was equal, before Darius Vassell hit the side netting from a tight angle as Leicester pushed for a second goal.

Leicester continued to terrorise Brighton with their pace up front as Darius Vassell had another goal bound shot blocked, but Gus Poyet’s side nearly found a way back into the game when substitute Will Buckley picked out Ryan Harley just inside the Leicester penalty area – but Lee Peltier and Matt Mills did fantastically to thwart the midfielder’s efforts with two great blocks.

With ten minutes remaining, Brighton were then down to ten men when Marcos Painter received a second booking for a deliberate handball, which appeared to deflate the away side in their quest for an equaliser.

As time ran down, Jermaine Beckford fired over and Schmeichel parried away a dangerous cross by Kazenga LuaLua – but the home side held on comfortably to take an important three points.

Sven-Goran Eriksson will feel his side did enough to win the match against a side who had been flying so far this season, and will take confidence from the work ethic from all of his players to keep a clean sheet – Leicester’s first since the opening day of the season.

Man of the Match – Gelson Fernandes

Leicester City 3 Southampton 2 - 27th August 2011

Three first-half goals handed Leicester City their first home win of the season despite a second-half onslaught by newly promoted Southampton.

Darius Vassell put the Foxes ahead after three minutes after connecting with Andy King’s deflected cross at the near post, before Richie Wellens doubled Leicester’s advantage with a sublime curling strike from 25 yards.

Dan Harding pulled a goal back for the visitors just before the half-hour mark by heading in Adam Lallana’s cross, but Rickie Lambert’s own goal in first-half stoppage time restored Leicester’s two-goal cushion.

David Connolly’s header after the break ensured a nervy final 30 minutes for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side but Leicester held on for the win, ending Southampton’s 100 percent start in the process.

The Foxes rode their luck at times after a wonderful display by Saints’ playmaker Adam Lallana but defended admirably at times to claim their first three points at the King Power Stadium this season.

The hosts were ahead in the third minute when Andy King’s dangerous ball into the area took a slight deflection before finding its way into the path of Darius Vassell at the near post, who was on hand to steer the ball past goalkeeper Kelvin Davis for his first goal of the season.

It was a dream start for Leicester, and very much deserved for showing no fear of the visitors who started the day at the top of the Championship table.

The Foxes then lost David Nugent to injury just moments later and was replaced by Jeffrey Schlupp, who had shone in Leicester’s Carling Cup campaign to date with four goals in two games.

Leicester continued to threaten with Andy King heading over and captain Matt Mills forcing Kelvin Davis into making a great save.

But Southampton should have been level when Jack Cork’s had broken behind the Foxes’ defence, but Sol Bamba did just enough to thwart his effort.

The Saints seemed most likely to score next, but it was the home side who extended their lead when Jeffrey Schlupp teed up Richie Wellens on the edge of the area, whose exquisite curling strike into the top corner from 25 yards gave Kelvin Davis no chance.

The goal came against the run of play but it was a fine strike from the former Doncaster man who had enjoyed a strong start to the game.

Southampton were back in the game six minutes later when Adam Lallana’s mazy run on the right-hand side of the penalty area caused John Pantsil to lose his footing, and the subsequent cross picked out Dan Harding free inside the area to nod the ball past Kasper Schmeichel at the near post.

The goal was well worked but also exploited Leicester’s frailties at the back; an issue which concerned Foxes fans during the second-half of last season.

Leicester responded well and came close to restoring their lead when Gelson Fernandes met Andy King’s cross, but his header was well-saved by Kelvin Davis.

Paul Konchesky tested Davis with a free-kick before Jeffrey Schlupp was thwarted inside the penalty area by Jose Fonte’s well-timed sliding tackle.

At the other end, Matt Mills’ important challenge prevented Adam Lallana from equalising – and in first-half stoppage time, Leicester restored their two goal cushion when Neil Danns’ corner was headed into the Southampton net by Rickie Lambert after pressure from Sol Bamba.

The visitors will have felt aggrieved as replays suggested that Bamba had climbed on Lambert to force the own goal, but it seemed like Leicester’s luck had finally changed as the referee waved away the Saints’ protests to end an action-packed opening 45 minutes.

The second-half continued at a similar pace with Paul Konchesky again coming close with a free-kick, but Southampton came out firing on all cylinders and only a fine save by Kasper Schmeichel prevented Guly Do Prado’s powerful strike from reducing the deficit.

But from the resulting corner, the Saints pulled a goal back when former Leicester man David Connolly met Adam Lallana’s in-swinging cross with a far post header.

With their tails up, Southampton began to increase the pressure on the home side in search of an equaliser, but Matt Mills’ fearless block prevented substitute Morgan Schneiderlin from finding an equaliser.

Mills then denied Adam Lallana before Kasper Schmeichel somehow denied David Connolly’s strike at the near post, which seemed certain to creep into the net.

With time running out, Rickie Lambert and Daniel Fox combined to send Adam Lallana clean through on goal, but Schmeichel raced off his line to make another fantastic save and keep the Foxes ahead.

With four minutes remaining, Schmeichel again used his big frame to deny the energetic Lallana from point-blank range after a good low cross from Daniel Fox.

An injury-time block from John Pantsil again denied Lallana who thoroughly deserved a goal on the day, and Leicester held on until the final whistle for their first home win of the season.

It was a huge win for Leicester who showed tremendous character to withstand enormous pressure from the visitors, and an important three points for Sven-Goran Eriksson find themselves tenth in the Championship before the international break following an inconsistent start to the season.

Man of the Match – Kasper Schmeichel

Leicester City 1 Bristol City 2 - 17th August 2011

Leicester City were dealt a second consecutive home defeat last night courtesy of a brace from Bristol City’s Nicky Maynard.

The visitors took the lead early on when Maynard found the bottom corner from a free-kick and could have been 2-0 ahead just before half-time had Maynard not rattled the crossbar with a penalty.

The Foxes equalised through David Nugent’s 25 yard second-half strike, but Sean St. Ledger’s critical slip on the half-way line allowed Maynard to play the ball past Kasper Schmeichel to restore The Robins’ lead.

It was a missed opportunity for Leicester to bounce back to winning ways after the weekend, while Keith Millen will have been delighted with his side’s first win of the season.

Sven-Goran Eriksson made five changes to the starting eleven that lost 2-0 to Reading on Saturday – including captain Matt Mills being dropped to the bench.

But despite the adjustments, it was the visitors who had the first chance on goal when Gelson Fernandes conceded a free-kick on the edge of the area – a chance which was converted when Neil Kilkenny laid the ball off to Nicky Maynard who crashed the ball into the bottom corner from twenty yards.

It was the worst possible start for a home side demonstrating a lack of confidence, and proved to be a real setback for the remainder of a very difficult first-half.

David Nugent created some space in the final third just before the half hour mark, but dragged his shot wide of the far post.

The key point in the first period occurred just before the break when Gelson Fernandes was adjudged to have clipped Jamal Campbell-Ryce in the penalty area, with referee Nigel Miller awarding the visiting side a penalty.

However, Maynard struck the crossbar with the resulting spot kick, which seemed to spark Leicester into life as Paul Gallagher hit the target moments later with a free-kick at the other end of the pitch.

The Foxes came out looking stronger after the break and were almost level through Andy King’s point-blank header, but goalkeeper Dean Gerken made a fantastic save to keep the visitors in front.

But it only took the hosts ten minutes to find an equaliser when Paul Gallagher dispossessed Neil Kilkenny in midfield before finding David Nugent, who found the net with a neat curling effort from 25 yards – his first as a Leicester player.

It was a much deserved goal for the former Portsmouth striker after being isolated for most of the match with very little support elsewhere.

Leicester tails were up and they should have taken the lead when Lloyd Dyer’s pinpoint pass to Paul Gallagher gave the forward plenty of time to tee up a strike, but the Scot could not hit the target.

Suddenly, against the run of play, Sean St. Ledger was dispossessed just inside his own half, allowing Nicky Maynard to bear down on goal and, despite the last ditch efforts of Sol Bamba, find the net for the second time in the match.

It was a tough break for the Foxes who had shown resilience to find themselves level, but was also an indication of why manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has shown interest in Maynard during the transfer window.

Leicester set about finding an equaliser and came agonisingly close when Richie Wellens’ cross-turned-shot sailed over Dean Gerken and hit Lewis Nyatanga on the line before bouncing back into the grateful hands to the goalkeeper.

But with time running out, Bristol City substitute Kalifa Cisse had a chance to put the game out of sight after some poor Leicester defending, but was wasteful with his effort which flew over.

Ryan Taylor then cleared the crossbar in stoppage time before Sol Bamba miscued a last-ditch shot wide of an open net after Neil Danns had forced Dean Gerken to spill the ball in a dangerous area.

Boos rang out at the final whistle - and with an imminent derby day at Nottingham Forest ahead, Eriksson will know things must improve to relieve any pressure upon him.

Man of the Match – Nicky Maynard

Leicester City 0 Reading 2 - 13th August 2011

Leicester's good start to the season was dealt a blow this afternoon as they were well beaten by a strong Reading side at the King Power Stadium.

Noel Hunt's put the visitors ahead just after the hour mark with a fine glancing header from Ian Harte`s corner kick.

Substitute Hal Robson-Kanu doubled the Royals' lead in the 90th minute with a fine strike into the top corner.

David Nugent came closest to scoring for the Foxes when his curling strike hit the inside of the post, while Andy King forced Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici into making a good save following a powerful shot from distance.

While there were positives to take away from the game, manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will surely have some concerns over some sloppy defending, inaccurate passing and poor communication on the field.

Eriksson called up 18-year old youth product Jeffrey Schlupp into the starting eleven after his second-half hat-trick in Leicester's Carling Cup first round win over Rotherham United.

Ghanaian full-back John Pantsil also replaced the injured Lee Peltier in an otherwise unchanged side that beat Coventry City 1-0 last weekend.

However, it was the visitors who started positively in the early exchanges, finding plenty of time to pass the ball around without fear of being closed down by the Leicester backline, Mathieu Manset looking impressive early on after continually getting the better of former Reading captain Matt Mills, who looked unsettled for the Foxes for lengthy periods of the match.

The first chance of the match fell to Manset - who scored twice in five minutes against Millwall last week to rescue a point for the Royals - after cutting inside Mills and firing wide of Kasper Schmeichel's goal.

The Danish shot stopper was also on hand minutes later to make a fine save after Reading had once again unlocked the Leicester defence through Jimmy Kebe.

At the other end, Richie Wellens managed to pick out David Nugent with a free-kick into the Reading penalty area, but the chance was cut out by Reading's resolute backline.

Kebe continued to cause Leicester problems at the back; Yuki Abe's last-ditch challenge preventing the Malian international from releasing a shot on goal.

Reading should have taken the lead just before the hour mark from an Ian Harte corner but defender Alex Pearce inexplicably headed wide from point blank range following some lacklustre Leicester defending.

The hosts showed some life in the final ten minutes of the first-half when Richie Wellens picked out Neil Danns in the Reading penalty area, but his shot was quickly closed down by Alex Pearce.

Yuki Abe then tried his luck from long range, but his shot drifted wide of Federici's post.

Leicester continued to build pressure before the break, with David Nugent`s strike from deep inside the penalty area falling just wide of the mark - however the home side appeared to lack width in midfield and generally struggled to break the visitors down.

The second-half saw Yuki Abe replaced by Welsh international Andy King - and the substitution seemed to spark Leicester into life as David Nugent's fine curling strike agonisingly hit the inside of the post minutes after the restart.

At the other end, Schmeichel again was forced into close down Jimmy Kebe who continued to find ways to break through Leicester's defence - but the home side continued to threaten as Andy King`s vicious strike from 25 yards was tipped wide by Adam Federici.

Nugent headed over from Gelson Fernandes' ball into the box, but the visitors were soon ahead when some sloppy Leicester defending allowed Noel Hunt to head home Ian Harte`s corner kick at the near post, giving Schmeichel no chance.

The goal was no more than Reading deserved for their dominance - despite coming against the run of play - but Eriksson will have been disappointed to see his side failing to clear their lines from a set piece.

The second-half contained fewer clear cut chances as the match continued, although Jimmy Kebe could have doubled his side`s advantage when Mathieu Manset went to ground following a strong challenge with play was allowed to continue, but Leicester appeared to switch off completely, allowing the speedy forward to fire a shot just wide of the goal.

The incident sparked a furious reaction from Kasper Schmeichel who appeared to berate his defenders - including captain Matt Mills - as well as Richie Wellens.

As the game wound down, John Pantsil`s hanging cross was met by the head of makeshift striker Sol Bamba, but the Ivorian could not keep his effort down and flew harmlessly over the bar.

Reading eventually did double their lead in the 90th minute when Jimmy Kebe set up Hal Robson-Kanu inside the penalty area who drilled the ball into the roof of the net from twelve yards.

The Royals were good for their second goal, and it completed a fantastic away performance for Brian McDermott`s side who will have promotion hopes of their own this season.

The final whistle capped off a frustrating day at the office for Sven-Goran Eriksson, who will be disappointed with certain areas his side's performance for long spells of the game.

Man of the Match - Bongani Khumalo