Manager: Fabio Capello
FIFA Ranking: 7
World Cup appearances: 12
World Cup Winner: 1966
Profile:
England also referred to as ‘The Three Lions’ are all set for the World Cup in fabulous form after they got through what looked to be a difficult group. Croatia and Ukraine fashioned up as the big challengers for the automatic qualification spot but England brushed them aside. The coach and the squad can now focus on hopefully, a South African World Cup that will always remain memorable.
Spain wore the mantle of being the prime underachievers in international football, but the Spanish won the European Championships in 2008 and sine then England have taken over the spot vacated by Spain after going 44 years without a major international title. Another noticeable fact about England is that they have hardly ever reached anywhere near the summit in either a European Championship or a World Cup in the last five decades. Despite having talent, skill and fire power England’s plans have never fructified.
Manager:
England’s football was in absolute misery when Fabio Capello took over the helm of affairs in January 2008. For the first time in 14 years, England had failed to qualify for a major tournament when they the failed to make the grade for the 2008 European Championships in Austria/Switzerland. Steve McClaren didn’t have a successful period as England manager, but Capello is turning out to be a revelation. He has steered England to South Africa through a remarkable qualifying campaign.
Capello has a near perfect C.V. Even though his previous managerial role in international football was 30 years ago with Italy, he has been a much sought after coach. Capello has been at some of the world’s greatest clubs including Italian giants Roma, Juventus and AC Milan (twice), while Real Madrid employed him more than once. The following list of his achievements speaks for itself:
Managerial Record:
Milan
Serie A Titles – 4
Supercoppa Italiana– 3
Champions League – 1
European Super Cup – 1
Roma
Serie A – 1
Supercoppa Italiana – 1
Juventus
Serie A – 1
Real Madrid
La Liga – 2
Star Men
John Terry (Chelsea);
According to many purveyors of the game, Rio Ferdinand is a better defender than John Terry, but of late, injuries have plagued Ferdinand whereas Terry has continued to be in great touch. Because of him England has a formidable defense. Even though ousted from captaincy for off-the-field reasons, Terry will be England’s mainstay in the World Cup.
Steven GerrardSteven Gerrard (Liverpool);
Many questions were raised when Fabio Capello chose to give Gerrard a starting position on the left of midfield. But Gerrard has shown that this free role suits him well. His performances have repeatedly been outstanding and have impacted the English attack. His relentless supply of balls has kept the strikers busy and the opponents running for cover. Gerrard is also gifted with the art of winning crucial games with great goals.
Wayne RooneyWayne Rooney (Manchester United);
One of the best finishers in contemporary football, Rooney was called the golden boy by Sven-Goran Eriksson. Capello’ strategies too, have been planned with rooney was the lynch pin. And he has been in great form in the qualifiers and internationals. Capello compared the flashy forward to Spain's hero, Raul. The coach and the English fans unanimously believe that it will take the United forward’s fighting resolve, limitless energy, varied skills and the crucial finishing touch to take England to top honours in South Africa.
Strengths:
England believes in keeping possession of the ball. But they are also keen to grab an opportunity when it arise. Springing an instant attack is one of their game plans, breaking out of their patient mould unlike many other squads who string together pass after pass. They have a strong defence and it is less vulnerable than it was in the 2007-08 Euro qualification period. There is certain solidity to the team as a whole. Their attacks have more teeth than ever before in the immediate past as is evidenced by the26goals in the qualifiers.
Weakness:
Absence of one more striker in the mould of Cristiano Ronaldo to complement Rooney. Over reliance on Rooney places a great burden on him and the pressure sometimes takes the toll, affecting his performance. Another chink in the English armoury is the lack of a top class keeper. It is to be noted that the best keepers in the EPL in recent years have not been of English origins. David James is losing his spot due to shoddy goalkeeping both at the club and country levels. Paul Robinson and Scott Carson have been tried but neither came up to the desired level. West ham’s Robert Green is consistent but he lacks experience on the international stage.
Qualification:
Sector: Europe
Group: 6
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 7-0-0
Goals Scored: 26
Goals Conceded: 4
Qualifying statistics:
26 goals in just seven matches is stupendous by any counts. Perhaps England has the best record among all qualifiers this time around. Wayne Rooney has been in wonderful form, netting eight goals in the qualifiers, an average of more than one goal every game. Another noteworthy aspect of the qualifying rounds was that not a single England player received a red card in the seven matches. Fabio Capello has his eyes on the discipline side too for a red card could totally alter the fortunes of a team as France and Zidane learned to its chagrin in the last World Cup.
World Cup Potential: 5/5
This is the best chance for England after1966 to corner all the glory. They have the potential to reach where it really matters. But history has several adverse pointers. England has often stumbled on big occasions, slipping into ordinariness for no apparent reasons. What does South Africa hold in store? Fabio Capello is well outfitted to deliver and find a place in the ‘Hall of Fame.
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