McManaman was noted by pundits for his "mesmerising dribbling skills" and willingness to take players on and Gary McAllister claimed in the BBC's post-match analysis of England's next game (against Scotland) that it was Venables' change of England's tactics at half-time to switch to a 5-man midfield and introduce Redknapp into the midfield, that allowed McManaman the freedom to open the Scottish defence up and this changed the game; with Redknapp and McManaman unlocking the openings which led to Gary Neville's cross for Alan Shearer's headed opener (in the 2-0 win).