England shambles

Sunday, 27/06/2010

England did badly in the 2006 World Cup finals, they failed to qualify for Euro 2008 and now they have performed dismally at South Africa 2010.

There is no excuse. Not one of the players who appeared in England's four games over the past few weeks can hold their head up high. The team have possibly performed for a total of 45 minutes - one half - out of the 360 minutes they have been given a chance in South Africa.

Where was Wayne Rooney? He was our supposed world-beater, the man who would impress the world and let them know he is our Lionel Messi. He failed.

Our defence has been terrible. I will give you there have been some fantastic saves, some amazing blocks and brave defending but only in glimpses. This was the World Cup, you have to do that all of the time.

Midfield - I am now convinced more than ever that Lampard and Gerrard must step aside and give other younger players a chance. Sadly we have missed David Beckham, and with our former captain out injured it's been only too evident that he is possibly still our only true world-class player who can turn games when we need him too. Even cameo appearances would have made a difference.

We had one half decent game but even against Slovenia - they are lesser opposition remember - we could only scrape 1-0. Hardly convincing.

So are the players to blame or do we chop the manager? The players are the ones on the pitch and they must carry most of the can. But the manager decides tactics - 4-4-2 in case you hadn't noticed - and ultimately he must be held responsible.

I am still of the opinion that we need an English manager for the England team. Was Capello even able to get his points across to his squad in his broken English? Does he really understand the English mentality and what it takes to lift players who are down?

We were all guilty of expecting a lot from England, perhaps too much. But we do have players who can perform every week in the Premier League. Why can't they do it on the international stage?

It is time for the FA and the powers that be in football to call an urgent meeting with all interested parties, everyone who has a part to play in football in England, and decide how we push our game forward. Sadly...that may not happen.

I've just heard my old mate Chris Waddle, the former England winger who appeared at two World Cups, having a massive angry rant saying this failure is what happens every time and that we never learn. Sad to say but Waddler is oh so right!

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