However, in spite of a stilted performance and even a bout of illness, David Beckham’s free kick against Ecuador confirmed the captain as untouchable.
The blame for England’s lack of inspiration seems to lie squarely at the feet of their manager. Sven-Goran Eriksson has always set his stall out to play the best players available, and he has often adjusted England’s formation to fit this.
His plans for the World Cup were based around Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney attacking. With Owen gone, Eriksson opted to play Rooney as a lone striker. While Rooney clearly relished the task, it was ultimately a thankless one, for in spite of his tireless effort, he did not have enough support and repeatedly dropped deep to collect the ball.
In truth, none of England’s limited striking options have really clicked during this campaign and Eriksson is running out of time to get it right. Even the normally prolific midfield of Gerrard, Lampard, Beckham, and Joe Cole has been misfiring. Yet the strangely favourable media response to the Ecuador result has done little to persuade Eriksson that any fundamental change is required.
England can still win the World Cup. They certainly have the players, but unless there is a dramatic improvement in the quality of their performance, they will be easy prey for serious opposition. England’s fans need to reconcile the notion of constructive criticism with the seemingly blind faith which has crept into the national mindset after some very workmanlike victories against weak opposition.
England must remember to expect more.
Article comments
1 - Rob/Maryland
Whilst this might be more than just a game for the Brits, the Enlish side will not come together unless they forget about their multi million Pound contract they're sitting on or should be getting at the club level.
It's beyond my as to why this side has struggled to find reason to work together.
What's even more difficult to grasp is, how is it the most passionate player on the English side of the pitch is a kid that happens to be recently coming off a major foot injury. Begs to wonder if maybe the UK media has made the rest of the players jealous with all the Rooney hype leading up to the games.
It's no doubt they have the players to win, well...on a good day. So they need to wrap their brains around having a good day, or they've got no chance of advancing through the next round. Not even Jorge Larrionda could save this side unless they get it together.