Sport
England always going to be the same old England
England always going to be the same old England. In what was another disappointing evening, England’s performances only highlight that no matter who puts on the jersey – whether they’re title-winning players or the most inform – England will always be the bottling England we’re used to watching at every tournament.
Harry Kane and Dele Alli look absolutely shot for confidence as they grace the pitch. The two most exciting, young prospects in England colours, and yet, somehow, Roy Hodgson has sucked out the flare, panache and guile of these two attackers that has been so present for Tottenham and replaced it with caution and hesitation.
There has been no pressure on England, in truth. No one in their right mind is suggesting that England can win this tournament, or even make the final. A semi final would be a dream come true, but a quarter final seemed mandatory considering the group they were in and who they’d play in the Round of 16.
Before the tournament had kicked off, judging by the squad of players and the group England were drawn in, you’d have said that they’d win it with ease. By winning Group B, England would have drawn a 3rd placed team, which they could quite easily get past, and then before you know it, you’re into the quarter finals. Simple.
Oh, but it’s not simple. It’s never simple with England. After such an encouraging result for England against Wales, the Three Lions shriek with fear against Slovakia – who were, in truth, abysmal. Just like against Russia, England didn’t have a Plan B. It’s all good saying that Russia and Slovakia parked the bus against England, but where’s an alternative way to break down your opposition? Andy Carroll was needed and a different angle had to be taken.
If you’re paying Roy Hodgson £3.5m per-year, you expect top quality results and pragmatism. Not results that earn you 5 points from Russia, Wales and Slovakia. That’s not good enough. It’s also not good enough to finish second in your group behind a team that you’ve previously beaten. It’s pathetic and soul-destroying.
Hodgson’s been with England for four years now, since 2012. He’s overseen a European Championship, a World Cup qualifying campaign, a World Cup, a European Championship qualifying campaign and is now in the midst of his second Euros. And yet, even after all this time, he’s no better off than when he started. He has no idea what formation suits best, he has no idea what team to pick, and he has no idea what to do if a team of lesser quality park the bus.
It’s shambolic how a nation that invented the sport; how a nation that has some of the best academies and coaches in the world can falter at the first hurdle. How they can self implode when a little bit of heat is put on them. It’s such a shame that when, as an England fan, you feel the tiniest amount of optimism, it gets thrown back in your face and the pessimism returns.
England will always be England, no matter who’s on the pitch.
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