Could the British culture be having a negative effect on the national teams?

The latest qualifying rounds for each of the British teams have once again ended in dismay. Despite the good old-fashioned British optimism (combined with the high expectations), it still does not bring the results that we crave for on the pitch. Yet despite years of promise and millions of pounds spent to improve the quality of teams, the standard of the national teams is still no different to that of the past decade or so ago.

You would expect the FA from each of the British nations to maybe learn about how they can move from previous disappointments to make sure that it doesn’t happen again. We’ve all heard of their long-term plans to improve grassroots football, invest in better facilities and provide better coaching training. All expensive plans, which yield little returns. But could it be possible that the quality of our British teams is down to the countries’ cultures rather than how much money they’ve got?

Let’s put it this way, some of the best countries in the world are not exactly loaded with money; Brazil and Argentina produces world-class teams but they suffer from economical problems and poverties. Africa has their own problems, yet the likes of Ivory Coast and Ghana have been very impressive in recent tournaments. It’s quite contrasting when comparing their performances and abilities with Britain, a financially capable and strong nation with considerably less poverty and worries yet they have never really impressed any supporters.

So it can’t be down to how much money is spent. It must be down to how the players have been brought up and lived their lives. The British are not exactly renowned for their football. However they tend to be among the best in snooker, pool and dart. This is hardly surprising when you consider a huge part of the British lifestyle is the pub and it is often been treated as a second home for many people for centuries … which meant plenty of time to practice playing darts and snooker.

So what can be done, you say? Well, what exactly can we do? You can’t expect to the change the culture of any country let alone the UK. That’s like asking a person to act differently than they usual do. You may as well remove the personal and unique identity of that person (or country). In an era where culture is wide and varied, they must be respected and accepted in their appropriate countries.

The best solution is to start afresh and start from scratch. Let’s get back to basic and bring out the best from the young players. Unfortunately, we tend to be impatient when it comes to a demand for success. Rather than wait for several years to gradually improve the quality of young players, we would rather play it safe by utilising the same players who have failed to put in the performances at a standard that’s required when you are representing your country.

Or could it be simply down to the fact the British footballers are just not that good at playing football like the Spains, Brazils and Argentinas?

By Ahmed Khalifa