*Written after England’s defeat to Germany on Sunday, 27 June 2010
Part Five of SER’s FIFA 2010 World Cup coverage
Special Focus: What next for England?
Perhaps the scoreline was not representative of the game. Outplayed? Yes. Outclassed? Most certainly. But absolutely massacred? I don’t think I was the only one buoyed by the sight of Fabio Capello jumping for joy and celebrating with his players after the match against Slovenia; it was a much needed confidence booster after a disappointing start to the tournament. It was exactly the recipe for success against the Germans. Not this time, I suppose. As my brother puts it: at least England broke their quarterfinal curse!
So what’s next for England? Joachim Low’s ability to merge youth with experience proved effective, as the Germans ruthlessly dismembered a leaden-footed England side. There have been calls for Capello to look to England’s younger players, but given his reluctance to try untested players (Hart, Adam Johnson, Dawson, Cahill), that may not yield the desired results. He does not have the strength in depth to execute mass culls, but surely the likes of James, Green, Upson, Heskey, Crouch, and maybe even Rio Ferdinand have seen their last days for England. Jamie Carragher has returned to international retirement while Ledley King’s knees may not grant him another cap.
Needs to make the step up from U21
There is a case for dropping Ferdinand and maybe even John Terry. Ferdinand’s aging body is growing more susceptible to injuries – he missed several Qualifiers and the entirety of the World Cup – while John Terry may not be the positive force that he used to be. Their absence could provide opportunities for the likes of Michael Dawson, Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Ryan Shawcross, and Steven Taylor. They likely represent the future of England’s centre-halfs and should be brought into the future squads for Euro 2012 and England’s next Qualifying campaign. With Wes Brown and Gary Neville injured or too old, Glen Johnson does not face much competition for his position, unless Micah Richards or Nedum Unuoha can make the step up from the U21 level. Both are powerful players and are better defensively. Ashley Cole should keep his place for two reasons: he is one of the best in the world in that position, and the experience that he will bring to a relatively inexperienced new-look back four. Capello is unlikely to call upon Stephen Warnock or Leighton Baines again, leaving the path for Arsenal youngster Kieran Gibbs to step up.
Captain Marvelous
Steven Gerrard should keep the captaincy. He was one of England’s better players in South Africa and should be given the chance to lead England to Euro 2012. He and Rooney seem to have a good understanding on the pitch, so it would be interesting to see them exploit that. With the protection provided by Owen Hargreaves, Lampard and Gerrard will have enough cover to bomb forward. And, yes, Hargreaves. There is also a case for Scott Parker, who was unfortunate not to go to South Africa. At 30, he is not young, but in a team with Hargreaves and Parker, Gareth Barry wouldn’t get a game. Both are better holding players and are less wasteful in possession. I will always argue that David Beckham should be involved in the England camp. A lot of pundits were skeptical, if not cynical, about Beckham’s presence in South Africa, but he kept a low profile and provided guidance for the younger players – crucially important considering my inclusion of Walcott, Lennon, Milner, Johnson, and Young into the England fold. All wingers, all relatively untried. Perhaps somewhere in there is Beckham’s replacement on the right. Jack Rodwell and Tom Huddlestone will enter the frame too, as will Jack Wilshere.
Still has role to play
Rooney will lead the line for England. There is no doubt about it. He is one of the best players in the world and England need him as much as he needs England. Flanked by the likes of Bobby Zamora, Gabby Aghbonlahor, and Newcastle’s Andy Carroll, England will have a fast and powerful strike force. Throw in Michael Owen for one last chance to prove himself on the international stage, and provide some guidance for his successors. There you go. Your Euro 2012 winners. Maybe. But for now, it’s back to the drawing board for Don Capello and his team.
Could he lift the Euro 2012 trophy too?
