English sports journalists and critics may see fancy possibilities for the England. But in neutral analysis English team does not possess the class, quality and bench strength to play consistently well in advancing to business segment of the world cup. Even going beyond the group stage from the group of death ahead of Uruguay and Italy may require England to play exceptionally well. It is over 8 years English team is in transition. Golden generation of of Beckham, Owen, Scholes, Hargrieves, Carraghar, Ferdinand, Terry and Hesky is way past. Present crop of English players cannot match those creative talents. The young team may have greater pace and physical ability but it lacks the quality and skill of the team of immediate past.
England had to struggle to even qualify for Brazil tournament from a group having not any fancied side. They in qualifying round had Montenegro, Poland, Ukraine, Maldova and San Marino. In the first 7 games England managed only four wins -two each against Maldova and San Marino at home and away. Rests were all drawn and each time the scoreline was 1-1. The match against the only other potential team of the group Ukraine at Kiev ended 0-0. In the desperate race with Ukraine, England only managed to scarp through with a comfortable win against Poland.
Captain Gerrard and wily Rooney are only two quality experienced players left in the team from the Golden Generation. Lampard and Cole may also find places in final squad. Coach Roy Hodgson may go for younger but less experienced group like Gary Cahil and Leighton Baines. It seems that young pacey legs will fit well in Hodgson planned 4-2-3-1 formation for their ingenuity and youthful zest. Though Rooney failed to live up to his huge potential yet he remains the main goal scoring hope of England. If Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling can carry on their dynamic displays of pace and end product in world stage England may prove few pundits wrong.
Change of coach seems to have created some dynamism in English team off late with team looking more adventurous. Hodgson has already shown likings for younger generation – Raheem, Sterling, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade, Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere. Under a new coach England has shown slow but steady improvement match by match at Euro 2012 and World Cup qualifier. Hodgson is methodical and measured by performance. There is nothing glamorous or spectacular about the team but at the same time it has elements that on experience and maturity may deliver. But steady and unspectacular performance cannot win an even like world cup where creativity and skill are essential in tight encounters. Those are what the current English team does not possess. English fans must keep their ambition limit to at best the quarter final level and not beyond.
Coach however intends to look into the future and is very optimistic of his charge. 20 years old youngster Ross Barkley of Everton FC and Alex Oxlade –Chamberlain of Arsenal FC are the players to watch in the team. To outfox the opponents Hodgson may put out a well drilled and highly organized side. After experimenting with 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 coach has finally settled for a 4-3-2-1 formation.
Rooney will pilot the attack from the center supported by two pacey wingers. Steven Gerrard may play ahead of two quick holding midfielders. The first strategy will be to put themselves up as hard to be beaten. Although the current EPL season will not evidence yet Rooney has the ability to score spectacular goals himself and create for others as well.
BDST: 1106 HRS, MAY 10, 2014
