I think we hit a low-point in terms of tactics, team morale, etc under Capello but also a low in regards to available talent.
to get out of the group stage and lose to the first good side they come up against. its been like that for decades. I doubt England reach the semis in the next decade, let alone win anything.
Apart from your natural dislike for England, have you nothing to add to the previous points made regarding coaching, tactics etc?
If Sol Campbell's 'goals' against Argentina and Portugal (I think. Or was that Terry?) we'd have got at least one stage further in both those competitions. Such are the margins. Our levels did drop, especially under the last two managers, but there's a group of players emerging now that have got a real chance if we handle things correctly. Gotta have a little faith for the future. A WC Cup of Euro win would be amazing.
I fear Roy will play for a draw on Tuesday and invite Ukraine to take all three points, I note he has declined the option to replace Sturridge in the squad which suggests he'll be happy to play it tight...
I can't see much that much progress will ever be made under Hodgson, do you think we should stick with him or gamble on a younger more progressive coach? And if so any thoughts as to who?
I agree. As for a replacement, who knows?! The FA demonstrated their shortsightedness with the appointment of GS to the U21s, IMO. There must be (I hope) a young English coach working amongst the PL or Ch clubs (or even lower) that is respected for their 'progressiveness' in terms of technique, formations etc. I can't name anyone but I'm thinking along the lines of a Brendan Rodgers type of coach, but English.
I can't see who he could bring in. But I agree, he'll look for the draw - a very cautious man. Our results under RH have shown we thrash the minnows and draw with the rest. Don't think that'll be enough to qualify automatically; might not be enough for a playoff spot, either. RH said we need 10 points!
Considering your complete lack of football knowledge, I'll not worry too much about what you think of my views.
Something along those lines. In my opinion, the appointment didn't need a name drawn from the limited number of people seemingly known to FA. Just another safe bet.
I think all of our hearts sunk when Howard Wilkinson was announced as the F.A.'s Technical Director all those years ago. I think that was when I first realised exactly how useless the F.A. were. I know that Venables has queered his patch somewhat, but we still have no better footballing brain in this country in my opinion. Appoint him to some overseeing role and let him sort out who the next England boss should be.
Evening gents. I hope you will permit me to make a few observations from a neutral point of view. I think the FA have consistently picked the wrong coaches. I think I'd find more personality in a door mat than in Capello, Erickson, our own McClaren and now Hodgson. I know personality wont win you football matches but that lot wouldn't inspire me to get out of my bed let alone go to battle on a football pitch. I know Hoddle had to go for political reasons but IMO he was developing a style of play that was befitting the good footballers he had at his disposal. For me England don't play with enough passion, energy and determination. Some of you will think that's pants and that's fair enough but right or wrong it's how I see it. A few of your senior players in JT, Lampard and Gerard have it but I don't see it in your younger players. It's as if playing for England is just another day and not the pinnacle of their career as it should be seen. I still can't believe an English team managed by a non English manager.
I think you've hit the nail on the head NUTS, "It's as if playing for England is just another day and not the pinnacle of their career as it should be seen". Pride in the shirt should all the motivation they need but, sadly, just seeing them wandering round with their headphones on in their own little world tells you all you need to know about many of them...
Yes, I agree with you that we have screwed over our best chance since Ive been alive. Now we are probably going to enter a bad period with no good goalie, Gerrard and Lampard soon to retire, a serious lack of forwards. I think we will be worse than Belgium in 2 years.
