Victory over Egypt should not mask England’s problems
A little over three months until the World Cup gets underway and you would be forgiven for thinking England’s preparations are in meltdown. This is exactly the sort of build up to a tournament that Fabio Capello had designs on stamping out when he commenced his tenure as England manager. Ironically, England’s strictest manager for years now finds himself facing a daily debacle in the weeks preceding the competition, as his stars fight tabloid rumours, injury and poor form.
At least there was a promising fight-back in the Egypt game to smile about. However, many of the positives, I believe, will be rendered immaterial by the time June comes. For example, there was the reminder of Peter Crouch’s goal-scoring record at this level. He scored two good goals, but will they be in a vain quest for a starting place? I think Capello sees him more as an impact substitute, and I would be surprised if he starts the first game. Additionally, referees at major tournaments appear to victimise Crouch simply because of his stature (witness the last World Cup, when the whistle blew every time the ball went in his direction).
The two farcical elements hindering the team are the indiscretions of John Terry and Ashley Cole. We have nothing to worry about where Terry is concerned; his personality is such that he won’t let ruining his former best friend’s marriage impact on his performance at the tournament. Granted, his recent showings have been a little distracted, but with his own domestic situation now more settled, his head will be in the right place in time to face to US. As for Cole, should his injury clear up in time, which is likely to be touch and go, his feckless approach to his marriage also seems to suggest someone who will not let off field distractions conquer his quest for the ultimate prize.
In any case, Leighton Baines will hopefully provide adequate cover. He looked solid after a nervous introduction against Egypt, and should not be out of his depth, in the group games at least. Cole’s injury, and Wayne Bridge’s withdrawal, had many predicting disaster, but before every World Cup or Euro there is always adversary such as this, and it is how the replacements perform that dictates whether there is any long-lasting bemoaning of bad luck.
Aaron Lennon’s elongated injury is another irritant for England. Not that I believe he would start many games, but he is a blisteringly quick option to have on the bench, and one of only a few potential game changers England possess. Had Lennon been fit however, we may not have seen quite as much of James Milner, a player I admire very much, and one who could really come of age this summer.
So for all those doom merchants who have started already, stop now. I have seen enough unity, passion and belief in the build up, to counter all the negativity being bandied around. With Capello, we stand the best chance we have had since Terry Venables et al at Euro 96. I will put my money on the table now that will at least make the semi-finals, even with the like of Brazil, Argentina, and Spain around. I would just love England to go that bit further and send the whole country into delirium.
Mike Dicker
