Well, England are out. A SHOCK. Not really.

Surely Wayne Rooney did not make those remarks to the England supporters live on tele. Oh yes he did, and, who cares. He was obviously extremely frustrated. He is teh kind of player who does not want to walk off any field ever, after having given a performance that was so far removed from his normal world class exhibition that we know he is capable of……then for him to completely disappear in the Germany game……….’something’ was wrong with this team because there was not even a ‘fizzle out’. For that to happen, there had to be a fire, and there was none. So, England supporters, get over yourselves…….I’m English, I can say that. England were NEVER going to win this World Cup. I hope we can at least agree with this reality. WHY. Well, England doesnt have the ability to win a world cup right now. Yes, great players are ‘required’ to make this a reality and Rooney is one of the very best,  but England had no greatness as a team. Clearly there was something wrong with preparation, something worng with the execution of a plan, or with the plan itself.

Let’s take a quick look at the England team, which, on paper (and this is not my player valuation formula, but rather what the insane world of transfer fees has created) is formidable and worth hundreds of millions of pounds. Some of the world’s most recognizable names and faces in football are on the England team.

Yes, I admit, I thought like everyone else, how could this team be so mediocre? And why was their apparent failure so troublesome for so many? What was the invisible force that appeared to be holding back the Three Lions? Was it tactical, was it technical, was it psychological, was it all that pressure, was it fatigue??? All of the above ? So many questions and nobody with any answers. Not even Capello, nor the BBC pundits. Except, I found Roy Keane doing his best to offer some insight as honestly as only he does…and you can watch it here http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8773716.stm Having watched that, you have to admit he is right, Keano does make it brutally clear that the England players were, at best, only mediocre, and that it was not a surprise that this team did not achieve fame for eternity, except perhaps for being the most hyped team at the WC 2010. But I dont agree at all with his description as ‘brilliant’ or his absolution of Fabio Capello. I would include Mr Capello as perhaps the mastermind of the mediocrity and apparent confusion. You see, I did not recognize England. My observations had England ‘attempting’ to play Italian football. I believe that the approach to the game was tactically full of errors. The English were trying to play a ‘foreign’ game. WHY. What would you do that for when you are in South Africa, the show has started and you bugger round with a line up and tactic that is alien to the players that you have in your squad. Even the Yanks played to their collective strengths, albeit limited in repertoire……talk about a team who never say die…….the US gave England, and many others a lesson in pure heart and still got as far as England. But, back to the subject, as Keano says, and I agree with his evaluation, ALL the England lads, with the exception of  Wayne Rooney, had a very average domestic season. Keane spoke the truth about the England players and called into question their current form. However Rooney was not even a shadow of his world class self. WHY. Also, where, for example where was Peter Crouch in all this soul searching. ‘Tactically’, he would have allowed the England team to seek out his dominating height and his somewhat disturbingly unnatural ability to trouble the hell out of central defenses and good heavens no, actually score goals. His flick ons and knock downs could have given Rooney, Lamps & Gerrard a whole lot more shooting opportunities. His obvious towering frame was a certainty to create havoc on corners and free kicks. But, he played all of 17 ‘consolation’ minutes, 11 of them in the first game and another 6 minutes in the next game.

The England back line was rubbish. Not so much individually, but collectively. The way the central defense was organized, it was already too slow to play against the lightning fast counter attacking football that the Germans possess. So if you are going to play such a slow central defense, why line up flat, with no coverage and with keepers who are soooooo nervous about anything that comes remotely close to goal box. England showed clearly uncomfortable signs very early on, as it had great difficulty with the US speed and frankly naivety is the only reason the yanks did not win that game.

Anyway, after all that Mr Capello, you employed your line ups with the talent available to you at the time and as best you know how. But I say that you had England trying to play a game that is foreign to them. I say you did not employ the talent in the most productive manner, and that as a coach/manager, you can only try to play to your available strengths. You did not do this. England are not respected for their sublime skill, they are respected for the determination, and graft, and simple effective football, most of which is exhibited by the same players you selected from the Premiership. Play to your strengths mate ! What do I know.

How about the FUTURE……..So what are the pundit’s saying about all this. Well, Mark Palios (former Pro player & the former head of the FA in England) has stated he believes that more investment in youth development is necessary. He says Better youth coaches. More technical training. Gee, there’s a new idea….NOT. I’ve been saying this for years. But give him credit, it’s true, and  at least he has the guts to say it………check it out here………http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8769716.stm

So, that’s it for now. My prediction of Argentina winning it all is slowly working it’s way to reality. But, the German’s who are next look tough. A great test for Maradona’s boys, though I reckon Messi is about to give some team a lesson. I hope it’s this one. We will see soon enough. Ciao for now.

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