England have not won any major international trophy since their only triumph in the World Cup in 1966 in their own backyard, and they did not start the 2010 campaign on a bright note either. A 1-1 draw against USA was less than convincing, featuring a critical blunder by Robert Green, the England goalkeeper, which led to USA’s goal. Green has been under serious criticism following the incident.
England were looking for revenge against the United States, who beat them 1 nil in their only previous encounter in the World Cups, but the plan of sweet revenge could not materialize in the opening match; instead, it left the fans and manager wondering what went wrong.
The England team, who have number of superstars in their ranks, are simply not able to play as a productive unit most of the time. Yes, there are brilliant individual performances, but team spirit is what lacks in their team. Fabio Capello, the England manager, has long emphasized the need of players forgetting how they play in their respective clubs, and play for England with a whole new game plan. Up until now, however, he has failed to bring out an ‘A’ game from his team.
England have one of the best strikers in world right now in the form of Wayne Rooney, who has had a stupendous season with his club Manchester United, where he scored 32 goals. His injury at the f*g end of the season, however, led to the downfall of his team, as they lost their grip on the domestic league title, while the Champions League semi- final against Bayer Munich was also a big loss for them. The fact that as soon as Rooney got injured, the season went south for Man United emphasizes the fact that how important he is to his club, and if used wisely, he can have the same impact in the national team. Back in 2004, in the Euro Cup, Rooney emerged on to the international scene with a number of sterling performances, and England would be hoping that he can once again show the same form if England are to have any chance of making it to the last 4 at least.
Looking at the midfield, they have two of the best attacking midfielders, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. Earlier, there was a feeling that the two cannot play together, but Capello has certainly gotten rid of that myth, and both look to be functioning well together. Lampard even though by instinct is as aggressive as Gerrard, but can do the holding job with good effect as well, while Gerrard’s threatening runs in the centre of the field can be a handful for any defence. While on the wings, Shaun Wright Phillips and Joe Cole cover up flanks at either side of the field, and have the ability to make consistent runs down the wing. While England were dealt a big blow when their captain Rio Ferdinand was ruled out just days before the World Cup, which left the centre of defence vulnerable, but John Terry, the former captain, is in a league of his own, while the back up defender Ledley King is also more than useful, and has been a rock for his club Tottenham Hotspurs for years. Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher is also an experienced head, who can be used in centre as well as at the full back position.
The problem for England for years has been in the goalkeeping department. In the last World Cup, Paul Robinson was less than impressive, as he stood with his feet cemented to the ground while Portugal knocked out England on Penalties in the quarterfinals. This time, Robert Green started the World Cup with a huge blunder, while the other keeper in the squad, David James, is also famous for his horror moments, so that is one area they can be targeted at. On paper, England look to have more than capable players in every department. Now it’s just a matter of the manager being able to bring out the best from his team, and if the team performs half of what they are capable of, they will have a good chance of atleast making it to the final 4, or better yet going all the way in this World Cup.
Tags: