By Viorel Mesca.
After a disappointing start, England is in a must-win situation as they have to beat Slovenia in Wednesday’s World Cup clash. Fans are deeply upset with England’s performances so far and they have every right to feel that way. The truth, the ugly unwanted truth is that the Three Lions have been poor so far.
It seems that everyone has a theory regarding England’s failure. One theory revolves around the fear factor, another around the idea that England’s players are overrated; in the meantime others blame the manager, the rigid 4-4-2 tactic, Rooney, Lampard and the list could go on.
As one of England’s fans, I am extremely disappointed as well. I can accept a goalless draw against an inferior (at least on paper) Algerian side, but I simply cannot accept the fact that England play rubbish. If England played as Spain did against Switzerland and lost, I would be at least satisfied for the effort put in and perhaps would blame it on misfortune.
Whether you play a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 with Rooney deployed as a lone striker, England fans expect to play football, to create goal scoring chances and sometimes win. So far, we have not seen anything like it. That is why, in my humble opinion, England needs a few things to get it straight.
First of all, they need creativity. Therefore, I would like to see Joe Cole play, as he is one of the most skillful English players of his generation. I do not care if he is deployed as left winger or as an attacking midfielder; all I know is England need Joe Cole’s technique and creativity. Second, both Lampard and Gerrard or at least one of them needs to play in a more attacking position. Let us not forget that they are among the best midfielders in recent years. Third, let Rooney play exactly as he prefers to. If he wants to play as a lone striker, so be it.
England also needs a good team talk before, during and after the game. Capello could either question their passion and love for both the game and country or simply shout: “Come on, you guys! Win it for the fans! Win it for England!”
Last but not least, they need their fans. They need that 10% the fans can give to a team. So here is my recommendation: until the final whistle, let’s cheer for England. And if they do not win, only then we can chop their heads.
Have your say? Can England beat Slovenia and qualify?
***Please note that this article was written BEFORE the England team was announced***
