FIFA World Cup 2014: What Can England Learn?

The best World Cup of all time.

Christ the Redeemer welcomed the world with open arms to the spiritual home of football and in poured the pilgrimage.

The Copacabana was transformed into the epicenter for all things bright and beautiful and fans flocked in from all four corners of the globe to experience the very best Brazil had to offer.

In anticipation of the tournament, much was made of the political protests against FIFA by sections of the Brazilian public who objected to the £6.8 billion being splashed out on the event.

Security forces prevented any major flare-ups as protestors were kept away from the stadiums. The most memorable battles thankfully unfolded on the pitch.

For England it was all about the promise of youth and the potential for progress.

With expectation at an all time low heading into a major tournament, The Three Lions couldn’t possibly disappoint. Or so we thought.

Roy Hodgson insisted preparation couldn’t have gone any better. Pre tournament camps in Portugal and Miami helped the squad acclimatise for the tropical conditions of Manaus, the location for our Group D opener with Italy.

With ‘the perfect blend of youth and experience’, England headed to the Amazonian city with a simmering optimism.

It lasted just 45 minutes.

The weight of media momentum proved too much to deny Raheem Sterling a starting berth. But even his surprise inclusion was not enough to deter Hodgson from reverting back to his conservative style of football when England faced Uruguay 5 days later.

Defensive frailties proved decisive once again. Leighton Baines looked inexperienced at international level, Jagielka simply out of his depth and Glen Johnson defensively naive despite his best efforts going forward.

Void of inspiration, England limped out of football’s marquee tournament picking up a solitary point against an already qualified Costa Rica. Yet again the country that gifted the world with the beautiful game was left to reflect on the ugly reality.

We are void of a philosophy. There is no “English style of play”. We should not confuse the fast paced athleticism of the Premier League with the national team. They are not one and the same and until we find a solution, they will remain opposing forces housed under the same roof.

The Premier League is saturated with average over-priced foreigners and whilst we boast the best league in the world, the average lifespan of managers who pursuit a career in England, is clearly not conducive to bringing through young talent.

The bravery of Brendan Rodgers and Mauricio Pochettino should be applauded, for they gave youth a chance and were the direct benefactors of the talents their English youngsters possess.

This World Cup was won by a nation who was humiliated by England in front of its own people nearly 13 years ago. A 5-1 drubbing at the Olympiastadion. But the watershed moment came a year prior in 2000.

An embarrassing performance at the European Championships in Belgium and Holland triggered the transformation of the German game into a flourishing all-round culture that is increasingly envied across Europe.

The nation watched in horror as the then three-times World Cup winners, were eliminated after finishing bottom of their group, with a single point. Sound familiar?

Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB) lay down the plans for a football revolution. A complete overhaul of a failing system. Promoting youth, collaborating with the clubs of the Bundesliga and embedding a systematic philosophy at the heart of Die Maanschaft.

The number of under 23-year-olds regularly featuring in first teams in the Bundesliga jumped from 6% in 2000 to 15% in 2010. Every three years, the DFB's inspectors arrive at each Bundesliga club to put their academies to the test. There are around 800 questions to be answered, covering everything from training to how the youngsters are supported at school.

The incredible depth of Germany's coaching resources, as well as the DFB's close relationship with Bundesliga clubs, helped to reinforce the change in football culture.

According to Uefa, Germany has 28,400 (England 1,759) coaches with the B licence, 5,500 (895) with the A licence and 1,070 (115) with the Pro licence, the highest qualification.

Brazil 2014 was simply time to harvest the seeds sown over a decade ago.

Key to their success has been an unwavering, relentless and sometimes ruthless desire to win. Not by way of last ditch tackles and petty challenges but a methodical nature to their play. German efficiency is a cliché used all too often but onlookers cannot argue that their performances do not warrant such description.

Their desire to be in possession is mirrored by the intense closing down of the opposition. Their midfield players seamlessly rotate position, ghosting into pockets of space undetected by the opposition.

There is so much to admire about this German side. But I, like the FA, are in danger of falling into another bout of foreign obsession. The total football of Cruyff and co in the 80’s, Clairefontaine’s graduates of the 90’s and the spell bounding Spanish of the 2000’s.

Germany’s time has come. For England, it is time to get to work. In the corridors of Wembley, on pitches of St. Georges Park and in the minds of aspiring coaches up and down the country.

Give coaches a template. A blueprint for the “English way”. Develop a style. Preach a way of playing that transcends across all ages and abilities.

Football never left home. We just need to rediscover it.

www.twitter.com/dalemoon90

Alcune Riflessioni Sul L'architetto

The dust has settled in Manaus.

England’s gargantuan effort fell short to a clinical Italian outfit boasting the majestic Andrea Pirlo, two-time tormentor of The Three Lions.

It is no longer a case of trying to prevent the 35-year old from dictating the game. Even that has proved impossible for the best England have to offer. His simplicity of touch, depth of vision and effortless jogging motion returned to haunt Hodgson’s men for yet another summer.

There is a nonchalant aspect to his game in the way he trots around the pitch, rarely breaking sweat, even in the tropical humidity of Manaus. Why sweat yourself when you can make your opponents?

Even the seasoned internationals of Danielle De Rossi and goalscorer Claudio Marchisio repeatedly pass up the chance to play forward, insisting on finding the feet of their merciless king, as if needing his approval to do so.

This is not about statistics. He topped the charts for attempted passes and passes completed, but we knew that anyway. In reality, we knew before a ball was kicked.

 This is about a man who oozes in class and in style and who possesses a simplicity of which nobody in world football can replicate.

And to think that just three years ago AC Milan let him walk away from the San Siro on a free transfer – pazzesco!

He managed to unlock the England defence without even touching the ball. A clever dummy on the edge of the 18-yard box created space for Marchisio to arrow Italy’s opener through a clutter of bodies and past the despairing Joe Hart.

As time catches up with the aging pass-master, his role has remained the same as it was 10 seasons ago. His longevity preserved by the ease of his game. Dictating the pace, not being restricted by it.  

England have long faced accusations of producing players void of the technical skills necessary at international level. Andrea is the antithesis, whether caressing the ball with a two-yard pass or dizzying Joe Hart with a swerving dipping free kick. His inventory, infinite.

Vintage wine, vintage Pirlo

Pirlo is known for being a wine connoisseur and running a vineyard in his native Italy, producing around 15–20,000 bottles every year. One for ever pass perhaps? Though Pirlo himself it seems, is an exceptional 35-year old vintage.

His ability to stand still, an art form in its self, is profound. The game gravitates his way, neither by accident nor luck. Once in possession, he protects the ball, swiveling past the onrushing opposition who realise the danger of the man in possession.

Former Poland manager Zbigniew Boniek spoke of Pirlo; “To pass the ball to Andrea Pirlo is like to hide it in a safe.” One that England couldn’t get close to, never mind open.

Much was made of England’s pre match warm up during Italian coverage of the game. An intense and over zealous rehearsal of what transpired to become the latter stages of the game with England shuttle running in an attempt to regain possession. In his book, Penso Quindi Gioco, Pirlo has a few choice words on pre match warm ups, “It’s nothing but masturbation for conditioning coaches.” It seems not even an incessant sense of humour can escape the grasp of Pirlo.

The closest we had to our own “l'architetto” was Paul Scholes. He, like Wayne Rooney on Saturday evening, was put out on the left during his international career, a move that now seems beyond comprehension given his profound ability in central areas.

“The only great English midfielder in my career was Paul Scholes. He had elegance in him. Others were pretenders.”

England may have been out witted and maneuvered by the godly maestro in Manaus but one saving grace lies in the extended number of games we are likely to see Pirlo orchestrate, as his Italian side look certain to make the last 16.

Pirlo will retire from international football after the 2014 World Cup, passing on the baton to Marco Veratti, PGS’s younger blue-eyed Italian understudy. Like all greats of the game, only when he signs off from the world stage will the we truly appreciate his talents.

This once-in-a-generation sportsman should be held in the highest regard for decades to come, remembered as the man who played the beautiful game how he wants, when he wants.

And how he makes it look oh so easy.

Andrea Pirlo, thank you.

FIFA World Cup 2014: The Generation Game

Asked by a member of the media whether his World Cup squad resembled a family saloon or sports car, Roy Hodgson, forever the diplomat, composed himself before concluding “that’s up for you to decide, I’m just happy to be driving it.”

Hodgson's Squad Announcement

There was no shortage of car-based puns at England’s squad announcement. Vauxhall’s “Griffin House” headquarters in Luton opened its doors to a who’s who of English media to announce which of England’s most talented countrymen were Brazil bound.

News of Ashley Cole’s omission 24-hours prior, opened the door for 18-year old Luke Shaw to join the likes of Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain in a new look England squad.

Shaw’s emergence has coincided with a crop of young international starlets set to replace the gods of the 90s and with the World Cup in their sights, many of which could explode onto the scene this summer.

The immortal names of Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo, Kluivert, Del Piero and the last dwindling star, Raul, will forever be etched in the scriptures of the beautiful game but the last decade of the millennium also gave birth to a new generation of elites.

Brought up on a diet of Galacticos and Invincibles, the 90s kids were given a feast of footballing brilliance to love and learn from. Tiki-Taka football introduced a silky, polished and popular brand of football to the urban streets of Europe, providing a hotbed for touch and technique to blossom.

Picture the Copa Cobana saturated with the favelas' forgotten children imitating Nike’s Brazil vs Portugal “Ole” commercial (and that Ronaldinho flip-flap!).

And who could forget the Elvis Presley “little less conversation” soundtrack to “The Cage” with Eric Cantona himself overseeing the all-star indoor games?

It was a seismic shift in the attitude of aspiring footballers, footballers that are now taking the main stage:

Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta has to look no further than his Spanish understudy, Isco.

The embodiment of sophistication and connoisseur of culture, Andre Pirlo, now looking over his shoulder at Marco Veratti.

Brazil’s trinity of Rs, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho has overseen the graduation of wonder-kid Neymar.

And whilst Paul Gascoigne continues to battle his many demons, on the field similarities to Ross Barkley are simply irrefutable.

Napoli's Lorenzo Insigne

Long term Arsenal target Julian Draxler, Italian firecracker Lorenzo Insigne and Belgium boasting Adan Januzaj will undoubtedly contribute to a new wave of football.

Spain’s continuing and relentless list of graduates include Jese, Thiago, Koke, Oliver Torres, Illaramendi, Morata and Carvajal.

And whilst they may not all make their respective World Cup squads, the likes of Lukaku (Belgium), El-Shaarawy (Italy), Bruma (Portugal), Bakkali (Belgium) Atsu (Ghana), Kovacic (Croatia), Qunitero (Columbia), Rodriguez (Columbia) Varane (France) and Pogba (France) are sure to make their mark on the world stage in the years to come.

The era of Seedorf, Scholes, Inzaghi and Schmeichel created a lasting legacy, which is thriving within modern football. The added emphasis placed upon style, technique and above all, self-expression, is a direct result of the seeds sown over the past two decades.

We can only coach so much to young footballers. But the greats of the game, the ones that are remembered, adored and idolised. They refuse to be moulded into an ideal. Into a template.

These players inspired a generation. This summer, my generation will do the same.

Dale Moon (@dalemoon90)

The Problem With EPPP

The introduction of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) by Ged Roddy’s Premier League had the intention of improving the state and standard of the current academy system.

By freeing up the movement of players and establishing a grading system in which academies are categorised, the cream should theoretically, rise to the top.

Aimed at increasing the number of players gaining professional contracts and creating more contact time for coaches and players, the initiative was accepted by all 20 Premier League sides and the 72 member clubs of the football league.

Eighteen months on from the birth of the EPPP, is there any indication that the scheme is having the desired effect? Maybe it’s still too early to tell but surely the work must be done before the starlets reach the academy system.

Grassroots is the heart and soul of the beautiful game and here is where the real EPPP resides – England’s Parents, Pitches and Players.

Parents

Dads, Mums, Uncles and Aunts listen very closely. No amount of shouting, screaming or swearing will turn your little bundle of joy into the super rich Ferrari owning “baller” you all so desperately demand.

Up and down the country, from Hackney to Hartlepool, the familiar Sunday morning scene plays out and the sideline frenzy ensues, “Skin him! Go through him! Dale you take it!”

Let them play

Let’s remember they are children who are here through the pure enjoyment and love of the game. Stop living out your footballing aspirations through your child.

So what if he’s scored 99 goals in 6 games, won player’s player, manager’s player, club player and has his 10-meter swimming badge. Just let him play.

And if a club decides after his six-week trail they want to sign him, remember, his development has only just begun. He’s not the next Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Romario or even the next Ravanelli for that matter. Just let him learn.

The coaches are there for a reason, put your faith in him. He’s there to improve his players to the best of his ability. Whether you agree with his methods, management or choice of Copa Mundials. Just let him Coach.

Parents underestimate the effect they have on our young players; they must realise they are role models, gate keepers and both confidence builders and destructors.

Pitches

For all the criticism aimed at the FA, the decision taken to introduce small-sided games into grassroots football is one that should be applauded.

As a player growing up in the 90’s, eleven-a-side games would see young players, touch the ball on average of 50 times per game. Compare this to the recommended 1000 touches per day and you see where the problem lies.

Council pitches.

I also can’t be the only one to have suffered the weeping, sapping, sticky sand-filled thigh graze. Remember those first generation astro-turf beaches we had to play on! Certainly did our parents no favours when washing out the hardened discharge on school trousers.

But neither does the boggy, waterlogged, mud patches that young players are exposed to week in week out. So what if it looks good when they come off the pitch caked in mud. What did they really learn? The art of possession? Playing through the thirds? No, none of the above.

They learn to miss out the midfield and bombard the oppositions box. “Right lads we’ve got to play down the wing, that’s where the best grass is”. Embarrassing.

The solution is to erect 3G pitches across the country. Local government or FA funded and free for all to use. Get our kids playing football on a surface fit for purpose. Spain, Holland and Germany have. Why shouldn’t we want the best for our youth development as well?

Players

Like an annoying wasp buzzing around your Rekorderlig strawberry and lime on a hot summers day, our player’s technical inadequacies just won’t go away.

Bayern Munich and Barcelona taught the best England has to offer a lesson on how possession can be used to control matches.

Andrea Pirlo played the same tormenting act against Rooney and Co. at Euro 2012. We lag behind other nations in this department, but why?

Do we produce athletes before ootballers? Is there a lack of high-level technical coaching? Or do we simply have a different mentality to our European counterparts?

Only a complete upheaval of the current English system will see us etch nearer to Europe’s elite. Of course we have the odd technically gifted player but does it come naturally to us as a nation? Is it sewn within the fabric of our youngsters? Is it a consistent characteristic amongst English players? I’m afraid, deep down, we all know the answer.

We must improve. And quickly. Our ball retention. Our manipulation in tight areas and our possession of the ball when being pressed against. There’s no magic solution to this other than hours and hours of repetition in order to get to the level we need to be if we are serious about making real change.

Let’s widen our talent pool. Let’s change out draconian approach to grassroots football and let’s banish the bloke on the sidelines.

Choosing to ignore our shortcomings will only serve to suffocate the potential held within so many of our brightest talents.

What we’re doing clearly isn’t working. Lets try something else. Today.

Dale Moon