Everyone’s got an opinion on how to make the England football team perform to a higher level, so I may as well post mine! If you agree/think I don’t know what I’m talking about then I want to hear from you either way!
I think what we all want more than anything is to see the team play with passion and pace. Yes, technical skill is essential, but in that area we can’t compete with the vest teams in the world, so we need to play to our strengths. Raising the tempo of our play and not trying to be something we’re not is one way to do that.
Bring Through Young Players
Using young, hungry players is one way of raising our tempo and desire to a more acceptable level. Wilshere is an obvious choice, although I still think he has a lot to prove, but there are others who might be worth looking at. Henderson is meant to be a good prospect, for example. Players like Tom Cleverley at Manchester United, Albrighton and the like should all be given chances once they start playing regularly for their clubs.
Get Rid Of Barry
I’ve always thought that Gareth Barry is overrated, but that he could do a job for England. After watching the last few performances though, I can’t believe how slow he is. We need a mobile and quick player for the defensive midfield role – not someone that can’t keep up. Owen Hargreaves will be the obvious choice once he returns, but there is always going to be question mark over his fitness. Tom Huddlestone is probably less mobile than Barry, but at least he brings a fantastic range of passing to the midfield and a goal threat. It’s difficult to see what Barry gives to the team. Wilshere, while not a defensive midfielder, could be an option. Especially when we play teams with very little attacking intent.
Play Players In The Right Positions
This has always been a problem with England, but we play so much better when the best players for the job are picked – not those with big reputations. Frank Lampard is a good player, but he doesn’t play well with Gerrard in the centre, isn’t versatile enough to play anywhere else and has a poor range of passing. He should be used as a direct replacement for Gerrard when he’s not playing well or injured, but other than that should not be in the team.
With that said, I still think a lot of the criticism given to the England team is unfair. We’re – at best – a top 10 team on the world stage, so we shouldn’t expect to win competitions. Instead, we should aim to get to every major event and then get to the quarters – from there anything can happen. I’d much rather see young talent used though, rather than relying on the same old players who seem to have very little chance of making a major impression.