The Italian Job

So we have another international break looming with England looking to secure a place in Euro 2012. The last international break passed with England completing it with a 100% record. The results included a convincing performance away to Bulgaria, winning 3-0 and a not so convincing win against a Welsh team showing signs of a slight resurgence. All England have to do now is avoid defeat at Montenegro.

We all have our own opinions on the international breaks, the England squad, Capello and the FA. The one fact that stands is that the international friendly breaks are unlikely to go away, and we will always need to qualify for World Cup and European tournaments. Unless we win one of course,which even the most optimistic fan must admit is unlikely.

One thing has completely bemused me after the most recent set of internationals. No, it’s not the constant battering from the national press, stating the obvious, rehashing old stories of how good/bad England are. It’s not even the remarks popping up from ex England internationals giving their ‘expert’ opinions on what is wrong with the national team and ‘It’s not like it was when I played’ comments feeding the press with the anti-England ammunition they crave.

What irritated me most were the comments made by the national team manager. This is the same manager that is being paid a vomit-inducing amount of money to lead the national football team to European and world glory. The same manager that is meant to inspire our players, the staff and football fans throughout the country. To bring the glory that every football fan that follows the national team have yearned for! Hell, just a team that plays attractive football and gives it their all! It has been so long since we have seen an England team look as though they are enjoying themselves; having a team playing without fear and confusion would be progress in itself.

This brings me to my main point. At what point does Fabio Capello think that publicly stating that the players are weak minded will help inspire the players? Stating that one of England’s potential future stars has adrinking problem to the press. It just doesn’t make sense to me. In an environment where the players are already easy prey to the pack of wolves writing the articles millions of fickle senseless The Sun (other pointless tabloids are available) readers digest, who hang on every word these so called journalists write.

Of course, sympathy for these players is at a minimum given the amount they get paid. The salaries, lifestyles and opportunities open to them are the stuff dreams are made of. I think most people agree that the expectations laid upon the national team far exceed the actual quality that exists. Expectations that are created by the fans, the FA and mainly the press, smashed and then built right back up again.

So with pressures mounting it would nice to count on the manager, to show confidence in the squad. To avoid giving any bait for the press and fans. Capello apparently finds this difficult. Perhaps this time round Fabio can show confidence in the players and not add to the constant wave of attack the players get. More over showing a bit of attacking intent wouldn’tgo a miss.

I find myself dreading international breaks. Not because of the constant under achievement of the national time. Not because of the hype that the press heap on to the squad. Not because of the irritating comments from ex internationals that didn’t win anything either. It’s because ofpossibly one of the least convincing managers ever. There’s no passion from him, he doesn’t instil any passion in the players or the fans alike. I don’t know who would be better but for me Capello is making a bad situation worse. Let’s get someone who wants to sincerely make a difference. Not boost their ego and bank account.