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World Cup 2010 Teams – England (review 1)

After England failed to qualify for Euro 2008, it looked like England’s so-called “Golden Generation” of players would never work well together as a team. Harsh criticism was aimed at both the players and their coach, Steve McClaren. English football was in the doldrums and McClaren made a hasty exit.

In December 2007, Italian coach Fabio Capello was appointed as England manager. Capello set about reshaping the side, drilling a sense of discipline and teamwork back in to the squad. Ignoring individual player reputations, Capello began to select the players based on merit and form alone. The English still have a lot to prove, but Capello has at least got them as far as South Africa.

Qualifying Campaign

England’s World Cup qualifying campaign went well. While not always playing attractive football, the English proved to be both effective and resilient. Croatia was expected to be England’s main threat, but the Croats were brushed aside with a 4-1 victory followed by a 5-1 thrashing. England finished on top of the group, 6 points clear of second-placed Ukraine.

The group may not have been the toughest in Europe, but England won 9 out of 10 matches, losing only once in the Ukraine. Impressively, the English managed to score 34 goals while conceding only 6.

World Cup History

England has lifted the World Cup on only one occasion. Since their triumph in 1966, the English have failed to make it further than the semi-finals and twice failed to qualify for the World Cup in the 1970s, and once again in 1994. Quarter-final exits seem to have become standard procedure for the English, who often promise much but lack the cutting edge to get all the way to the World Cup final itself.

The Coach

Fabio Capello built his footballing reputation as a player. The Italian played for Roma, Juventus and AC Milan, and represented his country 32 times. As a club manager, Capello has won the domestic league title with every team he has coached. He has won both the Italian Serie A and La Liga in Spain on more than one occasion.

Capello has reinvigorated the English squad since starting his day-to-day managerial role in January 2008. Known as a disciplinarian with little respect for celebrity status, he was just what England needed. Capello has since set about changing the work ethic and atmosphere within the England squad and the results have been positive. While still not the most technically gifted or stylish team, the English seem to have regained both their confidence and resilience.

The Players

The England squad is strong but there are areas that will no doubt concern Capello. David “Calamity” James is likely to start in goal unless Robert Green or Ben Foster can force a way into the starting eleven. James is hugely experienced and a great shot-stopper, but prone to lapses in concentration. England’s defence will need to be focused and disciplined in order to minimize goal scoring opportunities. John Terry and Rio Ferdinand have developed a great centre-back partnership, while full-backs Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson are as good going forward as in defence.

The English midfield has a wealth of talent. Finding the right combination, however, is the greatest problem. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have failed to play well together in the middle of the pitch, but Gerrard has recently adopted a more left-sided role. Gareth Barry will anchor the midfield, while rapid winger Aaron Lennon will play on the right. David Beckham is still fighting for a place in the squad; if chosen, his experience and leadership will benefit the team as a whole.

Wayne Rooney is England’s key player and the creative spark in the team. Capello has yet to find an ideal strike partner for Rooney, but Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey and Peter Crouch are all in contention.

Group C

England has been drawn in World Cup Group C alongside the USA, Algeria and Slovenia. The USA has been growing in strength over the years and reached the final of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup before losing 3-2 to Brazil. Algeria did well to qualify for South Africa considering the lack of big-name players in the squad. The Slovenians, meanwhile, will be playing in only their second ever World Cup. As something of a surprise inclusion, they are not expected to go far.

Group Matches and Analysis

England will have no complaints about the Group C draw. Their opening game against the USA will be tricky, but if the English play at their best then they should be able to take all 3 points. Realistically, neither Algeria nor Slovenia should be a threat to England. If the English do finish on top of Group C, they will go on to face the runner up from Group D in the first knockout round. Germany should win Group D leaving England to face Australia, Serbia or Ghana.

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