Square pegs into round holes … it was destined to end in failure. But it’s the kids I feel most sorry for. I’ve lost count of the number of false dawns when it comes to the England national team approaching a major football tournament, but the latest offering was simply pathetic.
Why did Roy Hodgson adopt Wayne Rooney as a holding midfielder? Why did he stick the left-footed Daniel Sturridge – an out-and-out striker – on the right wing? And why did he take Ross Barkley? Those are only a few of the questions I’d love to ask him. Just what was he thinking?
The lamentable performances of England’s over-paid and over-hyped so-called stars came as a stark reminder of why international football no longer does it for me. Give me my Premier League fix any time of the day. Indeed many performed as though they felt the same way.
But there are lessons that all the junior football in the country can take away from the competition. Firstly Iceland used to be a place that mum went to. But we made them look like a football super-power.
And then there is Wales – a team who play with pride and passion. Unlike England they have one real world-class player in Gareth Bale, but the rest of the side stepped up a level. As did Northern Ireland. As did the Republic of Ireland. Just not England. We were pedestrian going forward and ponderous in defence and it was a competition where nothing was gained.
I believe the FA as well as the now departed Roy Hodgson and his coaching team should share the blame. I’ve said it for a while now but we lack real leadership and identity in the boardroom where we need football people, not business people.
Brand England only seems interested in partnering blue chip companies and filling Wembley. My choice would be Glenn Hoddle but most importantly, we need a structure and foundation in place that they can be fitted in soonest as we are being left behind.
• I was hugely impressed by Camila Giorgi at Wimbledon this week, despite her first-round defeat. At 24, she has the game to power her way into the world’s top 10, and beyond. I’m even considering a punt on her winning a grand slam one day. She plays with no fear and I felt as though her match against Garbiñe Muguruza was there for the taking.
• With a few tweaks to her game and tactics, including a few more incursions to the net, she’s definitely one to watch.
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