When Fabio Capello announced his departure as England manager after Euro 2012, the future of English football looked somewhat uncertain. The country had just crashed out of the world cup to a young, energetic and fearless German machine, leaving old dad’s army limping back to the green and pleasant land licking its wounds.
In a matter of months the Italian will lead a 23 man squad into the footballing wilderness of Ukraine and Poland in his last attempt to achieve tournament success. His aging squad looked rigid, nervy and disjointed in South Africa. The likes of Terry, Lampard and Rooney were expected to show their World class calibre on the biggest international stage. It didn’t happen. Outpaced, out passed and out played by a young German side meant once again hopes of tournament success were dashed.
So what did we learn in South Africa? Germany fielded their young starlets: Muller, Ozil and Kedira. All three were part of the side that thrashed their English counterparts 4-0 in the U21 World Cup in 2009. Prior to the tournament, they were branded inexperienced, frail and vulnerable to lapses of concentration. In reality, they were magnificent. Young players with the technical quality of the trio brought a fearlessness unrivalled by the old heads of England. An England with the world on their shoulders when it should have been at their feet.
The lessons learnt on that fateful day in Bloemfontein will emerge when Capello announced his final squad for the tournament. Should the Italian again opt for the safe choice in experienced professionals, England will once again fail. However, the more likely scenario will see the likes of Kyle Walker, Jack Wilshire, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Jack Rodwell, Danny Welbeck and Joe Hart join Rooney and co. Now we have a tournament on our hands.
It all comes down to balance. Yes experience is priceless in big competitions. But it has failed us on so many occasions. Should Capello look to tilt the balance of the squad in favour of vibrant and energetic youngsters, we may just see an England team not only achieve results but play with fluidity, freedom and finesse that laughs in the face of the “get stuck in” performances gone by. The country’s finest prospects are vying for places with their respective premier league clubs. Players playing at the highest level in the best league in the world.
Capello’s legacy rests on the pivotal inclusion of these young English players. Gamble on them and lady luck may pay him a visit. Play safe and his loyalty to experience may prove to be his and our downfall!
Dale Moon
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