Disecting England

Should there ever be an opponent, to showcase, epitomise and exemplify exactly what English football is in desperate need of, then look no further than Andrea Pirlo. His masterful performance, orchestrated an Italian side to near total dominance against Hodgson’s team of workers. The 33 year old World Cup Winner provided a lesson of the highest quality to all aspiring footballers, a range of passing that after a frantic opening quarter, simply took the game away from England.

Optimists will point to England’s undefeated record after 90 minutes in Poland and Ukraine, but divulging selected statistics will only serve to lure a false sense of achievement. Roy Hodgson’s 10 training sessions prior to the tournament were merely not enough to carve a football philosophy into the foundations of this England team. Injuries to Wilshire, Cahill, and Walker meant they were far from full strength, only adding to the descending expectations from Fleet Street and fans alike.

Winning the group provided a major boost to the nation, finishing about France and by doing so escaping the dreaded Spanish. Though it was an average Italian side, which had been littered with problems of their own heading into the competition, who enjoyed superior possession, territory, and shots both on and off target. This was not the star studded era of Totti, Cannavaro, Inzaghi, Del Piero, Gattuso and Zambrotta but a side who’s goal scoring exploits rest with the unpredictable Mario Balotelli and whose sole impetus and responsibility placed firmly on the shoulders of an Andrea Pirlo - released on a free transfer by AC Milan.

                                        Watch Andrea Pirlo's Masterclass Vs England

Yet the gulf in class was there for all to see. England’s 4-4-2 looked rigid and outdated with the Italians dominating possession in midfield. Montolivo, Pirlo and De Rossi providing the shadows for Parker and Gerrard to chase. One way England could have exploited the narrow Italian diamond was when in possession, play touchline to touchline, make the pitch as big as possible and drive down the flanks unguarded by Prandelli’s diamond midfield. As the game unfolded, such was Italy’s dominance in the middle of the park, Young and Milner had to tuck in-field as reinforcements for Gerard and Parker. No width, no outlet, no hope.

Take nothing away from the gargantuan efforts made by England’s lions. John Terry, for all his turbulent personal exploits was the cornerstone of a titanic defensive display throughout the tournament. Ashley Cole confirmed his status as the best left back in the world with Steven Gerard, despite struggling in the Quarter Final, having his best tournament in the white shirt of England. What remains however, is a void of canyon-esque proportions in the technical department of English footballers.

At grassroots level, the game must address what has become a national epidemic. From a very young age, footballers are applauded for slide tackles and demonstrating the passion to win a game of football.  Yet a player who manipulates the ball in a tight area before making the right forward pass will merely be overlooked. We must get away from this obsession with the “English Spirit”. This is the real English disease. Both the problem and thus the solution lies with the parents, coaches and to some extend the referees; that have nurtured an over physical national game by allowing play to continue whilst a challenge of similar stature on the continent, is greeted with a card.

We must, as a nation, produce a more cultured, technical, and skilful generation of footballers. Who’s encouraged to express themselves on the ball, whose passion to win is matched with their passion to play. Whose parents applaud the finer elements of the game, other than the tough tackling centre half who’s captain because his dad is the manager.

Players like Modric, Silva, Pirlo, Iniesta, Sneijder and who the wonderful press in this country are already hailing as England’s saviour - Jack Wilshire need to be encouraged and replicated throughout a revolution. The reality is that England must have a conveyor-belt of technically gifted players, not pin all our future hopes on the one gem we are fortunate to have. Defenders who can play from deep positions, midfielders with awareness, simplicity and culture to their passing and forwards that dispel the mould of “big-man little-man” and who’s movement and instinct scares defences.

Only when the FA addresses this pressing and ever growing concern will this green and pleasant land ever come close to tournament success. Until then, expect nothing more than doing “just enough” in the qualifying rounds and succumbing to our European counterparts when it really matters.

F.A it’s down to you.