Negativity about England

The thing that has surprised me most about this world cup is the level of pessimism on boards like this and in the press about the England team before we've even kicked a ball. From what I remember everyone used to jump on the giddy bandwagon prior to the tournament and it wasn't until we'd gone out on penalties that the dissection of the players lack of technique, passion and tactical nous started. Not it seems this happens before we even kick off.

I also think that it's basically impossible to succeed as an England manager. The biggest complaints from fans about previous managers has been;

1) Doesn't pick players on form
2) Sticks with the 'golden generation' players despite them frequently disappointing.
3) Over hypes the squad
4) Rigidly plays 4-4-2
5) Doesn't include promising youngsters

As far as I can see, Roy isn't guilt of any of these charges. The inclusion of Lambert, Lallana, Shaw and Henderson show that he's including players at peak form. The 'golden generation' are all gone bar Gerrard (who everyone would pick) and Lampard (who probably wont start). In every interview I've seen he's been positive about his players without claiming they are world beaters and has worked hard to lower expectation. Of course he's said that we're going to Brazil to win it but there isn't a team that isn't. He's adapted a 4-1-3-1 formation. Ok, not dissimilar to 4-4-2 but it does strengthen the central midfield and leave the forwards less isolated which has shown massive improvement in our forward play. He's also willing to include Stones, Flanagan, Shaw, Sterling etc...most of whom have barely played a season at the top level.

Hodgson specifically said that he would give every player game time in the friendlies, he then gets slated for his selection and the press leap on the fact that Rooney's position being changed, despite this clearly being to accommodate Lambert yet still give Rooney game time.

Personally, I think we'll have done OK if we get through a tough group stage. I think we're worryingly weak defensively and it might be a tournament too soon for the likes of Barkley and Sterling. If we do, everything from the second round onwards is a bonus. When you compare our squad with that of, for example Spain or Brazil we're a long way off. But everyone knows that right? It's a team in transition and at least with some promising young attacking players coming through the future is looking brighter. Perhaps we should cut the players a break and see what they can do.

 

I don't think too many people can criticise Roy too heavily.

The big problem for myself is how the game is run, by both the FA & FIFA. Whoever was the manager, we wouldn't stand a chance the way the Premier league & Football League operate.

 

Dont know what he sees in Milner

and it seems he's going to go very conservative in the first game due to the conditions, but other than that, cant really argue with what you've said.

In Woy We Twust.

 

Hope we're going to be playing more than 10 players.

Good post though.

 

Re: Dont know what he sees in Milner

He'd be wise not to be too negative. We are much better going forward than defensively in my opinion.

 

Re: Dont know what he sees in Milner

Saw this in Grasmere. Which explains a lot.

<img src="http://s27.postimg.org/i7wimm2oz/image.jpg">

 

I agree, I think Roy has done a decent job. He's a safe pair of hands at this stage and is clearly trying to develop the squad for the future rather than concentrate on short term gain. I just hope if we don't perform miracles in Brazil that the FA have some patience and stick with what they are building for a while. For me, I'd stick with Roy for another tournament after this until an outstanding managerial candidate (of which there aren't really any now) appears.

On the other point, in the earlier years I mistakenly thought that a strong Premier League and the influx of foreign players would improve the international team. Clearly, it hasn't. About the only positive is that the young lads coming through at least have improved technique due to the foreign influence. However, we need a bigger number playing regular football at the top level not just an outstanding 3 or 4.

I do think the press are as much culpable for England's failure though. Every game and minute detail is focused on the extent that the players and manager are set impossible standards.

 

Ha, good spot. I meant 4-2-3-1 but tha knows.

 

My negativity is more like realism and nowt to do with Woy.

It's looking at a squad littered with, on the whole, average players (at bery best in a lot of cases) at international level.

Probably only Rooney that some people would put in the world class bracket (I wouldn't)

Onwards and upwards with the young guns I say. I'll applaud Woy for making a start on that front.

 

Re: Dont know what he sees in Milner

If you speak to West Brom and Liverpool fans, being conservative is sort of his thing...which is a slight worry. However, the qualifiers and friendlies suggest to me that he recognises our defensive frailty and will counter balance that with some attacking intent. I rate Milner but agree that this is the 'statement' selection. I hope he goes for Sterling, Lallana or Barkley rather than him but only time will tell.

 

Tick.

 

I think for once there is an aura of realism. We are an average international team in a difficult group. Although Roy has brought in some good young players they are complimented by those who aren't good enough so there's noticeable weaknesses in the squad. No criticism of Roy though he can only play the hand he's dealt with and the Premiershit has made his job a lot harder.

 

Fair do's and to an extent I share your realism. I think there's plenty of average players in the squad as I put in my post. It's not really the constructive criticism or low expectation I have an issue with though. It's the 'overpaid rubbish' and 'I wont bother watching because we're crap' or 'Hodgson is clueless' comments that get my back up not only because we all know everyone will be watching but also because it's utter ******.

I was looking forward to a tournament with lower pressure and expectation and with some players that I like to watch.

 

It's trendy.

And tiresome.

 

Re: Dont know what he sees in Milner

******.

 

Re: Dont know what he sees in Milner

Your abuse means nothing to me. You've been dead over 130 years.

 

Re: Dont know what he sees in Milner

Ive just come back from Vegas. I saw the place where you got married. Douchebag.

 

Re: Dont know what he sees in Milner

'Japanese Whispers' looked sensible.

 

Re: It's trendy.

Well I'm going to initiate a self imposed BBS/twitter/facebook ban because I can't hack having the world cup ruined by a bunch of moaning girls.

I'm going to watch the matches in a darkened, solitary room with a smile on my face agreeing wholeheartedly with Andy Townsend's banal clichés.

 

If I ever won the lottery

I'd die there. Like Elvis. Craziest, mentalist party on earth. FACT.