Posted by Andy on October 12, 2000 at 11:12:12:
Although I am English, I am finding it very hard to support the English football team.
You look at Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Italy, Holland, Germany etc. etc. and you see players who come across as hardworking, commited, optomistic and hopeful.
English players, the managers and the F.A. just come across to me as arrogant 'we won the world cup once and therefore we are a team to fear' kind of attitude.
I think England's success will come when we FINALLY realise that we are an average team composed of average players that need to have a good work-rate and gradually play the same players in their correct positions over the course of many matches.
The reason teams do well is down to one thing: Everyone knows their job.
Look at Liverpool in the 70-80's - not many players needed, new players replaced old players in one position.
Man U in the 90's a very stable squad - everyone knows their team-mates and positions.
England have to do this too over a few years and CONTINUE to do it as time goes on.
It's NOT an individual game - I don't care HOW good Beckham or Owen or anyone are - it is a TEAM game.
It should be built up over time - and the England manager should be encouraged to forget results at the start - it'll never happen - unless it's a fluke.
the FA and the press should GROW UP and realise that Rome wasn't built in a day - quick fixes have quick relapses.