England unarguably have the most talented bunch of players this tournament coming from a setup of home grown mature domestic leagues. England have the youngest squad in the European Championships and pose a serious threat to other teams. But isn’t that always been the case?
From the days of David Beckham to partnerships of Ashley Cole, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney – England have always had their dream teams in major tournaments but they have nothing to show for their star studded line ups.
The best England have managed in FIFA Club World Cups over the last 25 years has been a single fourth place finish in the 1990 world cup. Things are even grim for the English in the European Championships where they have never managed to qualify for a final.
The real problem so far with the English in this tournament as it seems has been the confusion amongst the ranks of players regarding their game plan. Players don’t seem to understand their roles or positions. With Sterling running in circles on the flanks and Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy to play wide on the wings in the qualifiers and Rooney told to distribute the ball for the attackers, it all seems very confusing for players who don’t find themselves in their natural positions.
You cannot criticize Roy Hodgson of his brave decision making against Wales where he took off Harry Kane and Sterling to put Sturridge and Vardy on, both of whom scored to give the all-important victory against their arch rivals. But the question that begs to be asked is, how can he still not find the perfect match or combination of players to put out? England were pretty good in their qualification run and many would have expected the playing eleven and positions would be finalized by now however as it seems according to Roy, this is not the case.
You can tell the English mean business when they turn ruthless by bringing on Sturridge, Vardy and Rashford to grab three points. All praise for the bold and courageous decisions of Roy, however it still is a matter of debate as to who will start in the next game against Slovakia and where the next goal is to come from. A victory will cement England’s position in the round of 16, anything otherwise would lead to a lot of its and buts.
