Rooney
I like the England team's pleas for everyone not to blame Rooney.
This is a young man who has fallen foul of too much adulation, too much money, too quickly. The humbling experience of a good old drudging at the hands of press and fans alike, will do him good. If he aint humbled, he won't learn much.
Sven
I'm not sure it's helpful to blame him too much. Sure, his choice of squad was questionable, his tactics questionable. This is common for any manager exiting a major tournament. But Sven did command the respect of his players.
In this regard it was a team (incl manager) who were grossly over-rated in their own eyes, the eyes of TV panelists (the very same TV panelists who were still writing off Germany at the 2nd round stage) and the eyes of the press. Once again this was an international team barely deserving of a top 8 seeding in anybody's book.
Character
Yet again England players proved they can only show any character, once it's too late. England's ability to take penalties under pressure is absolutely feeble. Call it what it is - feeble. This is perfect testimony to England's lack of character.
Think character is not a major influence ? Then just look at Germany's history in this tournament. Compare their penalties under pressure with England's, in any tournament.
What next ?
Under the new manager, I think the international team needs to 'enjoy' playing in tournaments against a backdrop of reduced expectations. As and when they're going to lose, lose having played well throughout the tournaments. That's when England'll progress further in major tournaments.
Future expectations
England, internationally struggle to deserve a top 8 seeding. Everyone needs to reduce their expectations of these over rated and over paid players. It isn't their fault they're over-rated and over paid. It's more the public's fault.
I like the England team's pleas for everyone not to blame Rooney.
This is a young man who has fallen foul of too much adulation, too much money, too quickly. The humbling experience of a good old drudging at the hands of press and fans alike, will do him good. If he aint humbled, he won't learn much.
Sven
I'm not sure it's helpful to blame him too much. Sure, his choice of squad was questionable, his tactics questionable. This is common for any manager exiting a major tournament. But Sven did command the respect of his players.
In this regard it was a team (incl manager) who were grossly over-rated in their own eyes, the eyes of TV panelists (the very same TV panelists who were still writing off Germany at the 2nd round stage) and the eyes of the press. Once again this was an international team barely deserving of a top 8 seeding in anybody's book.
Character
Yet again England players proved they can only show any character, once it's too late. England's ability to take penalties under pressure is absolutely feeble. Call it what it is - feeble. This is perfect testimony to England's lack of character.
Think character is not a major influence ? Then just look at Germany's history in this tournament. Compare their penalties under pressure with England's, in any tournament.
What next ?
Under the new manager, I think the international team needs to 'enjoy' playing in tournaments against a backdrop of reduced expectations. As and when they're going to lose, lose having played well throughout the tournaments. That's when England'll progress further in major tournaments.
Future expectations
England, internationally struggle to deserve a top 8 seeding. Everyone needs to reduce their expectations of these over rated and over paid players. It isn't their fault they're over-rated and over paid. It's more the public's fault.
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