England vs Egypt - How much have we learnt?

Here's the thing....The World Cup seems only around the corner and we (England) have only got an hour and a half of football left, with friendlies against Japan and South Korea, before the first game at South Africa.
The game against Egypt gave England opposition of a worthy note in my opinion, with Egypt being African champions for a third time and only just missing out on a place at this summer's showpiece tournament. However after watching last night's action, I dont feel we as a nation or Capello as a manager have learnt anything of great note. It proved that Gareth Barry is solid, Theo Walcott is consistently incosistent and that Wayne Rooney is our greatest hope for success. All of which we knew before a ball was kicked. Barry, for all his lack of flair, is the best we have in a holding midfielder.
Theo Walcott started brightly but that spark died and he looked more and more lost as the game went on. Then there is Wayne Rooney who creates a sense of expectation and excitement whenever he is in possesion. His partnership with Crouch seems to be the best option, with Defoe on the bench to make an impact on tiring defenders.

An interesting story line that emerged from last night's game was the midfield conundrum. As mentioned, i think Barry is a safe bet to anchor the midfield but it looks uncertain as to whether Frank Lampard will partner him. England looked lost and lacked creativity in the first half. Carrick's arrival brought an edge to Englands game and a preciseness that was missing. There are a lot of people out there that dont rate Carrick in an England shirt and say that he goes missing in big games. At times i would agree but we have to remember that this is the major playmaker of the three time English champions and two times European finalists. Whether coming on as a sub or a start, he must play for England in South Africa.

I could go on....but i wont....all i will say is that England showed all sides of their game last night. Flat and lifeless in the first half yet direct, dangerous and clinical in the second and that sits fine with me.