It is not often I am moved to be so critical in this way but, in the cold light of day, I am still angry enough to vent my spleen, over England’s shocking display against Algeria in the World Cup last night.
Now, before I go any further, I would say that the performance was so bewilderingly bad that the only acceptable explanation would be akin to the experience of the Brazilian team, just prior to the 1998 final, when Ronaldo suffered a seizure. It may yet come out that something untoward went on in the England camp (God forbid it be anything quite so serious); otherwise, I am afraid to say that last night was nothing short of a disgrace. The team and manager must accept that they deserve every bit of criticism coming their way.
I am not an advocate of booing, as it seems a puerile way of expressing your feelings but, Wayne Rooney, on this occasion you were out of order. I certainly would never condone supporters booing their own team during a game for a poor performance but, they had every right to do so, afterwards, last night. Some of those supporters had spent good money to go to South Africa to watch and they were treated to an inept shambles.
Our players are multi-millionaires as a result of their talent; most of us are struggling in the face of the recession and, quite frankly, we deserve better from those who are fortunate enough to earn rich reward for representing their country. They do have a responsibility to both show and, generate in us, some pride. We got neither! So, take the criticism on the chin, Mr Rooney, as I think we are owed an apology, not you whinging like a little baby!
Having said that, I will be fully behind the team once more, on Wednesday, as there is still a chance to turn it all around but, nothing short of a semi-final appearance will atone for such abject failure to perform so far.
I recall, a decade ago, saying to friends and family that English players are technically inferior; a point proven by Algeria last night, who were all more comfortable on the ball. I’ve heard players denying that but, I don’t think they understand the true meaning of the word. Yes, they may understand and respond well to the tactics employed by coaches and, utilise modern technology to improve fitness through diet and recovery from injury but, their technique is regularly found wanting.
Take last night, Kevin Keegan commented that England’s only real scoring opportunity had fallen on Frank Lampard’s wrong foot. Good grief! I could easily swear in response because, I simply cannot accept that as any sort of explanation, let alone excuse. I could kick equally well with both feet so, why can’t someone who earns a fortune for doing nothing but kicking a ball be able to do it? Answer; we are too arrogant in this country to realise that we are light-years behind the rest of the world in technique.
It’s like this bloody nonsense about not practising penalties, because you cannot replicate the tension. So, why is it that Johnny Wilkinson is able to kick goal kicks for fun in Rugby? Because he practices! Funny that; as he cannot practice in front of 50,000 people every day. No, he grooves his technique so that in the face of tension, he has a much higher chance of coping with it. It’s not rocket science, for God’s sake.
If we are ever to aspire to win anything again we need a sea-change of approach; why can’t those ‘in the game’ see it? In those last 10 years, we have won the Rugby Union World Cup and, earlier this year, a world cricket trophy. Why can we do it in those sports? Because the whole infrastructure is geared towards a successful national team. Not in Football, the clubs rule the roost and, most of the top teams are full of overseas players. Not good for our team.
Some argue that our top players develop by playing against other top players. Maybe so but, because overseas players are filling our club-sides, we have not the strength in depth and, as a result, those that are in the England team know there aren’t many good enough to replace them. They become complacent.
Going back to the ‘change of approach’, this needs to begin at absolute grass-roots and get away from the parents instilling a ‘must-win’ attitude. Instead, youngsters need to be given the freedom to enjoy the game and develop natural skills, not work-rate; that can easily come later when they are physically stronger. They need to be rewarded for being gifted at controlling, passing, beating players and shooting.
We claim that the English game is built upon hard-work and industry but, what happens when that doesn’t work? We have no alternative. The Brazilians, on the other hand, are more naturally gifted but, if they found that not to work in any particular game, they can resort to hard-work; we don’t have an option. Just huff and puff!
Talking of Brazil; it has been suggested that our players may not have coped with the pressure. Well, if that’s the case then they don’t deserve to play again. England cannot be under more pressure than the Brazilians, because every tournament they are expected to win…by everyone in the World. Most of their players seem to cope with the pressure, because more often than not they get to the Final! Why? Because they are confident that their technique will allow them to cope with most situations.
If I was Capello, on Wednesday, I would replace the entire team from last night to get the message through that it was simply unacceptable; and say to the alternative eleven go out and show me some pride and take your chance with both hands.
Can’t see it happening but, come on England!