Supporting the England national team is like a never-ending seesaw of excitement juxtaposed with disappointment. On paper, England have always fielded squads with some of the best players in the world which spark intense hype. However, England seem to always fall short of their lofty expectations in a variety of ways on the big stage. Even as recently as England’s draw with Switzerland, many doubted the team’s chances and coupled with disparaging comments from former greats Gary Neville and Paul Scholes who called out the team for their lack of possession and selfishness respectively, the future of England looked quite dark. However, after watching England’s 3-0 victory over Bulgaria, maybe there is room for guarded optimism.
First of all, let me state that in no way do I think England are back as perennial favorites for the Euro Championship. Spain, Germany and the Netherlands are the three best teams on the planet and are arguably leagues ahead of anyone else. However, is it that hard to fathom England as the 4th best team in the world at the moment? With Brazil, Argentina, Italy and France all struggling, teams like England and Copa America winners Uruguay have risen through the ranks at least in FIFA’s eyes anyway.
So what makes this England squad better from past ones that have painfully fallen short? For one thing, Fabio Capello’s last days could become inexplicably symbolic as a changing of the guard.Whether it was intended or not, Capello is now taking the reign of an England roster that is showing more spirit and life than in previous years.
For one thing, Capello may have finally come to the realization that fielding the players with the greatest name recognition doesn’t necessarily guarantee successes. Old stalwarts like Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand look to have become a part of an”out with the old, in with the new” motto where younger and less injury prone players are starting to be utilized more.
From the backline and beyond, England look more revitalized with some new faces peaking at the right time. England captain John Terry may have a new partner going forward in Gary Cahill, the 25 year old from Bolton whose impressive form is warranting his place in the starting eleven. Cahill’s strong, physical performances and his surprising goal-scoring touch which has been seen for both club and country makes you wonder how he didn’t get transferred despite heavy interest from Arsenal and Tottenham.
Besides the usual presence of Ashley Cole, Capello decided to utilize Chris Smalling whose versatility as a right-back has been recognized through a series of impressive performances. While Bulgaria didn’t have much to offer in terms of attacking opportunities, Smalling has shown that he could become a regular on the team due to his hard work, resolute defending, and surprising speed up front which results in a series of crosses.
Another important observation from the match is how Capello is finally letting up on the strict 4-4-2 formation which has stifled the creativity and fluidity of England’s attack. With Gareth Barry and Scott Parker providing adept roles as defensive midfielders, Capello has used a quartet of attacking options in Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and Theo Walcott to wreak havoc up front. What’s interesting is that all four of them have experience as wingers so maybe their is a certain sense of understanding they all share when creating chances.
Capello’s 4-2-3-1 formation has allowed England to have a great balance of defensive cover coupled with relentless attack. An integral factor to England’s potential revival is the revival of Wayne Rooney, who looks as motivated and dangerous as ever for Manchester United and nowfor England. He seems to have formed an instant connection with winger Ashley Young as the two can torment opposing defenses with incisive passing and finishing. Rooney’s long documented goal drought may likely become a thing of the past as he’s linking up with the likes of Young and Downing.
In advance of the Euro Championship next year, England also look to reap the benefits of young players taking charge of the squad. Youngsters like Phil Jones, Tom Cleverley, Jack Wilshere and even Andy Carroll represent the national team’s bright future in the years ahead. The young stars of England likely feel they have much to prove and may offer more dynamism than old stalwarts like Frank Lampard whose role as a regular is under serious threat. Injuries and age have clearly taken its toll on Lampard and if Capello is serious about moving ahead, he can’t rely on the same usual faces who just aren’t as good they once were.
As England looks ahead to upcoming matches, one always hopes that complacency doesn’t overtake the team as it has done so often in the past. Whenever it comes to supporting England, one should always expect the unexpected as they have always been known for intense hype and marked disappointment. However, I’m optimistic with England as they are finally starting to look like a team rather than a bunch of selfish, overly-scrutinized mega-stars coupled with rising talents more interested in attracting interest from the big clubs. This team looks hungry as ever with players who have fought to earn their place on the team and must continue to play well to maintain their place in the starting eleven. Both the young and experienced players all seem to play with chips on their shoulders to prove that England can be a force to be reckoned with again.
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It’s a step in the right direction….Capello needs to be looking
for a new partner for Cahill though, rather than keeping Terry in
the team.
When we are sad, when we don`t have good mood, we remember this
song: Two World Wars and One World Cup, England, England!