Perennial underachievers England will be looking to put the tag of ‘nearly-men’ firmly behind them as the attempt to win the World Cup for the first time since their only triumph in 1966. England have always had a massive reputation in world football, but have never really come close to living up to it. Great English teams were lauded as heroes when setting off to try and win football’s biggest prizes, yet returned in failure. Average and poor sides were hyped by the notorious English media, whose hyperbole hindered their sides chances by placing unnecessary pressure on the side.
The closest England have come to regaining the World Cup since 1966 was a heartbreaking semi-final penalty shootout loss to arch-rivals Germany in 1990 when Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle failed with their kicks. Besides this, they have reached the quarter-finals on six other occasions, with the 1986 and 2002 exits particularly painful. In 1986, it was the infamous ‘hand of God’ goal by Diego Maradona that helped Argentina come from behind to beat England 2-1. In 2002, once again they led, this time against Brazil, yet lost 2-1 despite having a one man advantage after Ronaldinho saw red. Even their 1966 triumph is mired in controversy, with Geoff Hurst’s critical goal in extra-time deemed to have crossed the line after striking the underside of the crossbar. Replays suggested that the goal should not have stood.
Their 2006 World Cup was looking promising before they met Portugal in the quarter-final. Yet again, the penalty shootout was to prove their undoing as three players missed spot kicks. This exit provoked outrage across England due to the actions of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo who was caught winking at his bench after the sending off of Wayne Rooney. Sol Campbell also had what was believed by many to be a legitimate goal ruled out in extra time.
They travel to South Africa after easily topping their qualifying group where they crushed Croatia 5-1. It has been said that past sides have had the talent but not the manager to succeed. This is certainly not the case with Fabio Capello at the helm. The Italian is recognized as one of the best managers in world football, with an astute tactical mind and a tremendous emphasis on discipline. Much will depend on the fitness of Wayne Rooney who has had a season to remember for Manchester United scoring 34 goals thus far. He encapsulates the ‘British Bulldog’ spirit that past English teams were renowned for with his exceptional work ethic and will to win. He has suffered knee problems in recent weeks, but should be fit for South Africa.
This England squad cannot be said to be nearly as strong as in previous years, with serious question marks surrounding the quality of cover in key areas such as centre defence and up front as well as their much publicized search for an undisputed number one goalkeeper. As always, there is an enormous flood of money expected on the Three Lions to come good. Despite their problems, they have the talent of Rooney and the managerial skill of Capello, which, combined with self-belief and a bit of luck, could take them all the way to glory.