As England crashed out of the World Cup to Germany, the majority of people were frustrated with Capello’s team selections, tactics, and general stubbornness. The FA decided to stick with the Italian, but everyone agreed - change was required. There were calls for England to give youth a chance. To develop them more appropriately. Players such as Johnson, Wilshere, Rodwell, Gibbs, Cleverley, Carroll etc, need to be given the experience from a relatively young age, to best equip them for the strains and expectations of International football. Now, I’m not saying the players listed above will definitely become top class players, but what have you got to lose, by giving them the chance to prove themselves in place of the tried, tested and failed players?
In the recent squad, at 33, Kevin Davies is in line to be one of the oldest players to make his debut for England. Question, what is the point? Don’t get me wrong, I actually think Davies is quite a decent player, but wouldn’t it have been more appropriate to include an up and coming young player instead, who might be more beneficial for England in the long term? For instance, Andy Carroll of Newcastle? Sure, Davies, might be a better player at the moment, but if the youth isn’t given the chance to gain the relative experience from an earlier age, England will always struggle to accomplish their main goals. Unless the player is of exceptional talent, the young and promising players should get the nod ahead of those who are coming to the end of their careers. Obviously, if Paul Scholes or someone with his amazing talent was available, age would not be an issue. But when it comes to a rather average player being selected over a promising one, there lies the problem.
Another issue I have with the England squad, is the constant selection of players who have failed to impress whilst wearing the colours of the Three Lions. Players such as Shaun Wright Phillips, and Robert Green. SWP has probably had one good game for England - against Holland - and has time and time again, failed to be of any influence in matches. Would it not be better to give his position in the squad to someone else? Perhaps Ashley Young of Aston Villa, if given the chance, can do a better job for England? When it comes to Robert Green, would it not be best if his position was given to a promising young goalkeeper? This way you can really see how they cope with being in the squad, whereas with Green, you know his limits and what he can offer on the International stage already.
For England to win a major competition, the players who have been called up and have failed to perform on the big stage, need to be replaced by those who have shown very good promise and potential. No point sticking with those who have no effect in games, or who choke on the big stage. To put it bluntly, out with the average, in with the promising!
H10
Hello,I am the first to acknowledge the skills and long time experience of individual English squad players.I think a number of factors contributed to England's exit at the recent World Cup and some you have stated.
ReplyDeleteI watched the England Under21s squad play Romania, well most of it and I did comment that I believe with the crop of young talent coming through and I might add, still being developed at their respective clubs..England's next World Cup campaign..hopefully in Brazil in 2014 will see I am certain a revitalised- disciplined squad that will be a force to be reckoned with.
The talent show-cased in this particular game is a blue-print of England's players coming through. All credit to them and to their respective clubs that are developing them.
:)
Yeah I agree, England have some exciting players coming through, but that's exactly my point. Wouldn't it be better served for these promising players to gain experience with the first team squad, rather than the average players who have limited effect so far for England? SWP, Upson, Green etc.
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