A different kind of England, same old administrators
England have reached the quarter finals of the 2012 European Championship. Surprisingly, it was achieved by winning the group. Seven points from nine is a very healthy return.
The prospect of Wayne Rooney’s return from suspension dominated the build up to the Ukraine game. Before the match Roy Hodgson had to consider all options. Would it be wise to break up the forward line that beat Sweden? In his autobiography Gary Neville states clearly that insisting on accommodating big names has been a fault of England managers. Aragones’ omission of Raul was the pivotal point which led to Spain’s recent trophy haul. And, of course, in 1966, Alf Ramsey chose to continue with Geoff Hurst leaving a fully fit Jimmy Greaves on the sidelines. Few would suggest Hurst was actually a better player than Greaves, but for the good of the team, the manager made a bold decision… which proved priceless. In picking Rooney to start Hodgson must have been aware of these factors. When it was Rooney who missed the best chance of a tight edgy first half Roy could have been forgiven for feeling let down by his big name striker. Quite simply, he should have scored. Thankfully he redeemed himself by being on hand to score the winner shortly after half time. Although, it’s fair to say he couldn’t miss from there! Not a memorable goal but the fact is that when England clinched top spot in the group we beat Ukraine 1-0 and Wayne Rooney scored the winner. And Roy’s decision was justified.
England play Italy next. If we were to progress to the semi final it would be regarded as something of a suprise by planet football. The point has to be made however that we have already achieved more than many expected in this tournament.
Our progress has underpinned by preparation and application. Unlike in other tournaments this England squad seems to be focused on the job in hand. It’s pleasing that Hodgson’s experience and wisdom has removed the circus that surrounds the England set up. Another aspect is that the build up to the tournament was low key. No overblown statements or bombastic posturing… from fans press or players. This time we are aware of our failings and have finally scaled down expectations accordingly.
Why are England traditionally dogged with such ridiculous levels of expectation? There is absolutely nothing to justify the notion that England are a superpower. Our record since 1966 isn’t great. In the last 46 years we have reached a World Cup semi a Euro semi and several World Cup quarter finals. In the same period Holland have reached three World Cup Finals semi and won the European Championship. Bulgaria got to a WC semi. Sweden have got to a WC semi and a Euro semi. Poland reached a WC semi and finished 3rd in 1974. Belgium have reached a Euro final and a WC semi. Turkey have reached a WC semi and a Euro semi and, of course, Greece were European champions. That’s only the middle ranking European sides.
Since 1966* our record, when compared to other European football nations, gives new meaning to the word average. Yet English people get annoyed because, for example, ‘We’ll never ‘win anything with Capello.’ Or, ‘We’ll never win anything with Sven’. Its unlikely we’ll win a competition whoever the manager is. We’d all love to but to actually expect England to win a tournament is based on wishful thinking. There is no great tradition to justify a demand like that. We should keep our hopes in perspective. When we are knocked out of this tournament will we see the same filth and fury that often accompanies an England exit? I’m certainly not saying we shouldn’t try to win tournaments. But I am saying we should keep our hopes in perspective. Personally, I always look at getting through the group then take it from there. Usually as soon as we face a side with genuine aspirations to win the tournament we get knocked out. 1990 was great fun but, with all respect, Belgium and Cameroon weren’t contenders to lift the trophy. *Our record before 66 wasn’t great either…Bela Horizonte anyone?
On the subject of genuine football superpowers I believe Germany will lift the trophy. To now they been the best team in the competition. While every team in a tournament like this will cause problems they will know it could have been a harder quarter final than Greece. Sixteen years without a trophy will be hurting. For a nation of their football stature it’s too long. It’s worth pointing out that in these sixteen years they have reached a World cup final and a European Championship final.
Nicklas Bendtner has been banned for one match and fined 100,000 Euros for showing the sponsored waistband of his underpants. Bendtner did indeed break rules but the real story is that UEFA have made it abundantly clear by this that they regard upsetting sponsors as a bigger evil than the racism which is endemic in some nations. The Croatian FA has been fined a lesser amount for their fans racist chanting at a Euro 2012 match. UEFA and FIFA have both been in a strong position to take decisive action on racism for years yet they continue to shy away. Hopefully the ruling bodies will be spare us any glib fatuous statements about global harmony.
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