The English Revolution – Future of the National Team

England’s national team problems are no mystery to anyone who watched the shambolic display in South Africa last summer. Both individually and collectively, it is safe to say that England were categorically humiliated; players and manager alike left Vuvuzela land earlier than anticipated with their heads hanging in shame, to return home where support had commenced with optimism, in hindsight this was unjustified and delusional.

But let us not abandon these warriors of pride and hope, for a country so passionate about their sport, and football in particular, it is necessary to focus on how England can adapt: tactics, players and passion are the only immediate areas that can be remedied. Ability, like that of the Spaniards would require a more fundamental assessment; youth systems and coaching would have to be scrutinised, but that won’t solve England’s crisis for the ever present Euro Qualifiers and its subsequent climax in Poland/Ukraine next summer.

Some might argue that England’s qualifying campaign is progressing quite neatly…without flair, nonetheless, neatly. This shouldn’t satisfy the 90,000 fans who gather into Wembley on infrequent occasion.

Let’s consider all candidates for Capello’s selection, including those who are routinely dismissed due to reputational characters getting the nod despite Fabio philosophising form and attitude during the birth of his reign.

The goal-keeping situation looks promising for the foreseeable future and beyond; Joe Hart has established himself as the England No.1 in recent qualifiers. Fans can be comforted by his victory over Shay Given in the fight for City’s spot between the sticks, which is no mean feat for the Shrewsbury born talent who is set to embark on a very exciting career at Manchester City. We should not be denied the chance to speculate about the genuine possibility of another English great; it’s no coincidence that Mancini appears to be most content with his goal-keeper, which brought into context by mention of Tevez, Kompany, Silva, Y.Toure, Johnson and co, leaves Joe in a position of substantial confidence. Potential replacements/cover? Let’s hope Hart avoids injury like the plague because Green, Stockdale and Foster comprise the list.

Defensively, there is cause for concern. Most have finally accepted that John Terry and Rio Ferdinand are past their best, albeit reluctantly. Nevertheless, both players are still regarded as England’s best; this opinion (adopted by many, including Capello) seriously inhibits any rapid progress on the journey to football’s next global event, World Cup 2014. All competitions and results until then should be considered work in progress and 2 or 3 dodgy performances by those who should be destined to wear the 3 lions on their shirt in 3 years is not as inhibitory towards England’s potential success as keeping faith with players who don’t exhume any hope for the future of the nation’s favoured sport. Alternatives to the egocentric Terry, Carragher and Ferdinand include: Cahill, Dawson, Jagielka, Jones and Shawcross. Admittedly, none of these names have proven their ability on club level’s most prestigious stage however, Germany’s 2010 world cup defensive duo: Mertesacker and Friedrich certainly aren’t considered amongst the best of their position and yet the team was very successful. It’s no coincidence that this pattern continues throughout most national teams; Capello must give these novices an opportunity! Moreover, Dawson proved that he was more than accomplished on the European stage in last season’s Champions league, Jones has just been purchased by SAF (…enough said),  Cahill is regularly monitored by Arsenal; only Bolton’s valuation of him and Wenger’s stubborn transfer policy has prevented further success for the lad, Jagielka is widely regarded amongst the Premier League’s elite defenders, and Shawcross makes up the numbers…

Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines emanate youth and quality in abundance; position tick.

Richards, Walker and Smalling (on recent evidence playing for United at right back) provide us with less confidence than the above counterparts however, under positive guidance and clever management, these candidates should more than suffice for the final element of England’s backline.

Perhaps the position in most demand for refurbishment though is central midfield. How long have we waited for Lampard and Gerrard to gel? Too long! The former shows evidence for both club and country that he no longer possesses the necessary flair, ability, pace or dominance to dictate international football matches. The latter may still prove to be a key ingredient in future success; we must utilise Stevie G’s assets for the benefit of the team though, which means playing him wherever necessary. If fit and available, Wilshere (and none other) should accompany Gerrard in the centre; his ability mirrors that of Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and co like we have not seen since Man United’s ginger ninger fulfilled the role up until 2002. He retains possession, disperses creatively and dictates play with eloquence; more offensive minded players in the team will prosper enormously from the contribution of Jack Wilshere. Parker, Henderson and Rodwell satisfy England’s reserve necessity quite comfortably.

On the wings. Let’s begin by banishing Steven Gerrard from this territory for good. Other players with far more pace, skill, imagination and general dribbling ability should not be sacrificed for him, especially when the system becomes distorted, structure essentially collapses and Gerrard’s primary attributes are totally wasted. Young (now of Man Utd), Downing (now of Liverpool), Johnson, Walcott and Lennon ooze pace, dribbling, delivery and shooting ability between them; such an array of talent is very rare for international teams and it is the responsibility of Capello (or his successor) to utilise this gift. Moreover, several of the above are very accomplished forwards, thus providing the option for a 4-3-3 system.

Rooney and Carroll would be immediate contenders for the striking positions. We are yet to really see them pair up and strike fear upon defenders as they do as individuals so effortlessly for their clubs. I can confidently say that patience will suffice here.

And that is the future of English football. Other fringe players or surprise packages are yet to be considered, nevertheless, a firm foundation that might yet re-instil hope for the nation is achievable; Capello, read this blog!