England head to the World Cup with hope and conviction

Story by Andrew Rogers

Andrew Rogers

"You can't always get
what you want
And if you try sometime you find You get what you need."
Mick Jagger- Rolling Stones

Surrey, UK (March 6, 2006) - Well, England has the best economy in Europe, will host the Olympics in 2012 and are home to a football league with a global audience of over 600 million. Yet, when it comes to their World Cup campaigns, one is left with the distinct impression that the nation wants rather than needs.

In 2002, England lacked the necessary skill to breakdown a team with ten men, in 1998 a failure to practice penalties led to their elimination, having failed to adhere to the emphatic warning from FIFA that retaliation would be a straight red card offence, and having reached the semi finals in 1990 they did not even qualify for USA 1994.

Yet, one cannot help but feel that despite their success elsewhere in culture and society, they would happily forego these accomplishments to alleviate the pain and agony they have endured since their solitary success 40 years ago, just, for a chance to taste again, the ultimate glory that is winning the FIFA World Cup.

Thus, Wednesday's match against Uruguay marked an important point in the build up to the summer as it was Sven-Goran Eriksson's last chance to assess players, before choosing his World Cup squad for Germany. [Editor's note: England defeated Uruguay 2-1 on Joe Cole's injury-time game winner.]

The overall direction the team is headed, is promising; where as in previous campaigns England have been over reliant on a particular player, or hard work and tenacity to progress. This time around, the side has a more coherent plan and an innate confidence that it can take on any opposition, and compete on equal terms. Furthermore, with the emergence of Joe Cole, England can threaten the opposition defense and score goals across the whole field.

Defensively, the side is very sound on paper. However, with Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge returning from long term injuries, and Ferdinand still lacking concentration at vital moments, there are causes for concern- especially when England face the stronger sides, and the summer heat asks questions of player fitness.

Despite not having anything to prove, Uruguay found, as have other sides, that England can be opened up through midfield more easily than would be expected. Should Gerrard and Lampard be paired this summer, the lack of a player prepared to anchor the midfield, and provide simple reception and passing options could prove problematic. England struggled in 2002 and 2004 through an inability to maintain possession, if they want to compete in the later rounds, spending protracted periods of time defending cannot be entertained.

England is currently in a position to take on the worlds' best. This has not been this case since 1970, when Jeff Astle ostensibly kicked England's chances a foot wide of an open goal against Brazil. Eriksson, if prepared to endure the media scrutiny and maintain a midfield, of Cole, Carrick, Lampard, and Beckham, along with Owen and Rooney, anything is possible.

Looking forward, there are still unerring questions that need to be answered. Firstly, why is a manager that has lost only two competitive fixtures since 2001 allowed to be unseated from his job, because of a newspaper set up? Yes that's right a "newspaper" setup!!!!

The FA are currently looking for a Head Coach with European and International experience, Eriksson not only ticks these boxes, but has 2 major tournaments under his belt. The future incumbent will not have the same experience in preparing a national side for international competition and will have to go through this process, which could undermine the next qualifying campaign.

Secondly, having been knocked out on penalties in four of their last five major tournaments, does England have the confidence to take teams to penalties, should the opposition not want to play? When I recently asked Michael Owen about this prospect he laughed and avoided the question, suggesting perhaps that penalties conjured thoughts that they do not want to address.

Whatever argument is made for why England should win this summer's World Cup, Uruguay's presence on Wednesday provided a poignant reminder of the flaws in the hopes, dreams and aspirations reserved for the carriers of the Three Lions symbol.

England's reputation as a leading nation, lies far beyond the realities of its success. Uruguay have won 2 World Cups, while Brazil, Germany Holland, France, Italy, Argentina and Czech Republic have all competed in more major finals and/or won more trophies. England's quest in Germany will undoubtedly bring excruciating highs and lows; the nation that introduced to the world the beautiful game needs, no, prays the footballing gods will smile on them once again this summer.

Andrew Rogers, contributes to USA Today, Gol TV and Four Four Two. He lives in Sunbury on Thames in England. Formerly the director of communications for the Long Island (N.Y.) Rough Riders, he is a UEFA 'B" license coach and plays semi-professionally with Spelthorne FC.