World Cup: The Woes of England

World Cup: The Woes of England

I was an odd man out, as a England supporter, in a land of mad mad football fans (Kerala) who painted their houses and automobiles in the colors of Argentina and Brazil. I braved the booes that flew in from the opposition factions, and continued to blow the vuvuzela for Three Lions until it all ended at Bloemfontein on 26th June, so fast as it had began. The Three Lions bowed out meekly like Three Kittens.

England has always been a much hyped team ever since their victory in 1966. Over-hyped or under-achievers, they could never get anywhere close to that dizzy heights in any cup competition after 1966. Much of the malaise has been attributed to the Premier League that leaves the players physically and mentally drained for any kind of close season competitions. Arguments are rife on installing a month-long winter break as in Germany. There are also calls to reduce the number of teams in the BPL which can help in limiting fixture congestion.

But one should understand these discussions started much before England's defeat way back at Euro 2004, and with the latest loss, it has only gained momentum, and a final solution may still be decades away.

The English have a habit of talking big, and actually not doing anything. More than anything else, it's the English football system that is more culpable for their failings. Sacking Fabio Capello or booting off some of the so called "Golden Generation" of stars could only make matters worse.

Howard Wilkinson on Monday explained how he had written a report for the FA back in 1997 which said English football needed to devote more resources to youth development, spend more time on technical skills, build a national football centre and prepare for a future when 4-4-2 will be obsolete.

As a fan I can only hope for a better future....but for now, as a true lover of football in general, I need to pick another team. C'mon Spain, c'mon....