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Ronaldinho's floated free kick proved to be decisive as England crashed out of the tournament, and Tony says: "I was asked if another goalkeeper would have got it, and I said 'yes, David James'.
"He is quicker on his feet than David Seaman and he would have been able to adjust his stance to save it.
"That said, the goal was a complete fluke. He has tried to curl it behind our back four and ahead of Seaman, and he has over hit it.
"But I wouldn't want to blame David Seaman - he has had a good tournament and I am choked for him."
Whether Sven-Goran Eriksson now looks to bring in a younger keeper - such as David James, who consoled Seaman on the pitch after the game - remains to be seen.
It could also be the case that Joe Cole is introduced to the team on a more regular basis as England look to the European championships in two years' time, and Tony adds: "Maybe he will get his chance, but there is already the basis of a very good young side.
"Joe could have come on against Brazil when England were losing. It could have been anyone - although Kieron Dyer is our most offensive midfielder.
"But when Brazil went down to 10 men after Ronaldinho was sent off, I would have liked to have seen the substitutions made then.
"With 10 minutes to go, there was no time for a reaction."
As for Trevor Sinclair's performance before being taken off in the second half to accommodate Dyer, Tony says: "It was a fairly quiet performance, but he was up against an excellent player in Cafu, so nothing against Trevor.
"He can be proud of the way he has come in and played for England."
Looking at the 2-1 defeat overall, Tony says: "I am doubly disappointed because we just didn't go for it. If you go out of a tournament being positive that is one thing, but we just didn't capitalise on them going down to 10 men.
"Brazil deserved it, but it was a terrible time to concede the first goal.
"I hope Brazil win it because they do go for it, just like Manchester United and Arsenal do.
"And, as for England, we can't just really on being better organised than other teams - we need flair."