Having had chance to watch every nation in this years World Cup, here is my list of the most interesting teams to watch ranked from worst to best:
32. CAMEROON - Dull, uninspiring, no attacking threat, the African side are a far shout from their golden years. Alex song's elbow apart - utterly forgettable.
31. RUSSIA - Having watched England's dismal displays at the 2010 tournament, Capello's Russian travesty should not have been a surprise. Awful.
30. ENGLAND - So much was made of the young lions, but they couldn't even string 3 passes together, a few bright sparks, but they wouldn't have got out of any group.
29. HONDURAS - A world cup minor nation, and didn't provide any shocks. Comprehensively beaten by good and average opponents. Low class.
28. PORTUGAL - Another nation with strong pedigree, but no quality in any department. Had fair share of bad luck with injuries and suspension, but Ronaldo's ego was laughable as he failed miserably on the biggest stage.
27. SWITZERLAND - Never got going against Ecuador but scrapped through that game, abject against a rampant France, wing play was strong but offered little threat or bite.
26. IRAN - Pre-tournament predictions favoured heavy losses for the minnows, but they defended well against strong attacks. Shame they offer nothing else. Boring.
25. SOUTH KOREA - A lightweight team that were exposed when any quality was exerted upon them. long shots and rightly so.
24. BOSNIA - Much was expected of the débutantes who smashed their way into the tournament, but cagey football made disappointing viewing.
23. CROATIA - Desperately unlucky in their opener with Brazil as a feeble refereeing performance arguably robbed them of a point. Thumped 10 man Cameroon but couldn't cut it with the pressure on to qualify from the group.
22. SPAIN - A brilliant side over the last 6 years, expecting more of the same, until their one dimensional tactics and stubbornness to make changes embarrassed them with straight defeats. A good team who got figured out by all.
21. ECUADOR - Some hit and miss football, but their was always bite and passion from the home continent side. Enner Valencia stood up and has forged a step up in his career.
20. BELGIUM - Widely considered dark horses for the competition, the new side looked toothless and cagey. Big young names that are overawed by the occasion.
19. NIGERIA - Reigning African champions but showing all the signs of typical African displays - energy, dynamism, no footballing nous.
18. ALGERIA - 100% better than their offering 4 years ago and stronger in every area. Nice to see some ambition, rather than settling for 3 0-0 draws.
17. JAPAN - In the three way tussle to get out of group C, the Japanese fell short with one point from all three games. Never had the quality to get through.
16. GREECE - Got better as the tournament went on, and made it out of the group. The old squad are not the best footballers, but they've been there and know all the tricks in the book.
15. IVORY COAST - Lost out to Greece, but were the better team to watch, took the game to every opponent, and never looked overawed. This nation seems doomed never to succeed despite their quality.
14. ARGENTINA - Great team, home advantage, Lionel Messi, but it hasn't clicked for the powerhouses yet. They may well go on to win the cup, but the football has been poor and Messi has dragged them to the top of their group. Improvement needed.
13. ITALY - Rampant against England, poor against Costa Rica, hit and miss to say the least. Have played some nice football, but another European side who couldn't take the heat.
12. URUGUAY - Spluttered against Costa Rica, but burst into life with the returning Luis Suarez. Even recovering from injury, he excelled for his nation. The enigma ruined his international legacy by biting Giorgio Chiellini - why oh why I will never know.
11. MEXICO - Turbulent for the two years up to the finals, they have shone in group A and nearly topped Brazil on goal difference. A home grown mantra has worked and the unit will fancy grinding their way through the knock-outs.
10. GHANA - Although results haven't emulated the quarter final success of South Africa, the side still play the same way, with confidence and unity. Always a pleasure to watch.
9. USA - Fantastic individual displays, within a team coherence have propelled the US through the competition. From front to back the side have excelled and enthralled.
8. COSTA RICA - They have done what most thought impossible and won the group containing 3 former champions. Played with swagger, skill and a perfect counter attack - the success story of the games.
7. GERMANY - Apart from a defence with a few leaks, the Germans look the complete package. Going forward they are formidable and could easily go on to win the trophy.
6. CHILE - Following their humiliation of England in last years friendly, Chile announced themselves firmly on everybody's radar. Counter attacking speed and skill overload any breaches in their defence - as their focus is firmly on attacking and entertaining.
5. BRAZIL - The hosts have lived up to the hype and the party atmosphere at every game is brilliant. The football is not always perfect, but the players shine in the ambiance and Neymar has been beautiful to watch. They will not win the World Cup though...
4. AUSTRALIA - Lowest ranked team, written off without a hope, and the resulting performances have been excellent. The Aussies have gone for the jugular in ever game, scored goals and won many hearts. Tim Cahill has scored goal of the tournament for me.
3. COLOMBIA - They have not always a major force in South American football, but this squad has evolved into one of the best in world football. Cruising through the group and banging in the goals. James Rodriguez looks astonishing. And all without their world class striker, Falcao.
2. FRANCE - They had to battle to overturn a 2-0 deficit to even make the cut in qualifying, but now they are here they have lit the tournament up. Deschamp's decision to leave some high profile players out looks inspired. The passing, incisive football looks great and the team have every chance now.
1. NETHERLANDS - When the first team sheet was announced for the Spain game, there were a lot of names not associated with world class football, some I had not heard of. But having watched Group B, and the attacking prowess of the Dutch side, I can't see past them for the Cup. Louis Van Gaal has build and excellent side, and the unit has performed amazingly. Van Persie and Robben have been the best players in Brazil and you cannot take your eyes of the boys in orange.
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Wednesday, 25 June 2014
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Why Grant Holt Should Represent England At Euro 2012
Let's not disguise it, England has a problem. For years now, the national side has had its issues: with managers; with formations and with players. This summer's tournament in Poland and Ukraine is no different, and as it stands the team has no leader, no manager and no direction. Come June, Stuart Pearce (or possibly a Harry Redknapp cameo) will have to sew a patchwork squad together whilst the press howls for a new generation to be blooded. Whereas the future is obviously important, this year's tournament is about now and represents a unique opportunity for an underdog to steal the title, and for England to do so, they need their own underdog. Grant Holt.
There are obvious voices for opposition to Holt's promotion to the top stage, he's not fast and he has no experience at International or Continental level, he only has 33 games at Premier League level. Recent call-ups for over 30's have not produced any performances of outstanding note. Examples include Kevin Davies' call-up to face Montenegro in 2011, Alan Thompson's substitute appearance in a 2004 friendly, Tim Sherwood - under Keegan - and Chris Powell's 5 game run at left back in 2001. History does not favour the shock call-ups and even if there is a shock - take Theo Walcott in 2006 - they still might not get to play.
But enough of the negatives, this blog is about massaging the minds of the England selectors (whom I sincerely hope are reading) into taking the Norfolk legend-in-the-making to Krakow, in both the hope that he will add to the national side, and get his just rewards for a dedicated career in the game.
Originally from Carlisle, Holt has progressed through Workington, Halifax and Barrow up to Nottingham Forest and Norwich, playing in over 6 tiers. A summer cameo for Sengkang Marine in Singapore is also in his resume. You don't play 350 English League games without learning a few tricks and the natural progression with Norwich, as top club scorer in 3 consecutive leagues stamps his ability to adapt to higher levels with ease.
Holt's goals this year have come against International quality defences. Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton and Swansea have hosted 5 of his strikes and at home Blackburn, QPR, Newcastle, Man Utd, Wolves and Everton have felt the force of Holt. Out of these teams, the defenders on show represent England, Holland, France, Sweden, Portugal, Wales, Serbia, Slovakia and Congo at the top. Stamford Bridge, Anfield and Goodison Park are not easy places to go and score and the only top teams missing from the list of internationals are Spain and Germany.
With regards to those goals, there aren't many scrappy ones. For all their passing and technique, Norwich are a long ball team, with a league high 15 of their 47 goals coming from headers. 5 of these were Holt's. He took two penalties and scored them both - of which there is obvious value to the national side. In short, Holt's natural game would fit into the England set up, as the history of playing wingers and aiming to beat teams down the flanks requires someone capable of good positioning and heading ability. 2 of England's 3 goals at the last World Cup came from crosses. With Ashley Young, Adam Johnson, Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Stewart Downing or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to make the team, and overlapping fullbacks, Grant Holt is much more accomplished to finish the chances these players would create then the likes of Jermaine Defoe, Darren Bent or Danny Welbeck.
But Holt isn't just a battering ram or target man. His goal to swing the tie against Wolves was the mark of a striker with a great footballing mind, and the touch and composure to match, which drew the attention of others than just myself:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/mar/25/norwich-wolverhampton-wanderers-premier-league-report1
And finally, the comparison against his competition:
Originally from Carlisle, Holt has progressed through Workington, Halifax and Barrow up to Nottingham Forest and Norwich, playing in over 6 tiers. A summer cameo for Sengkang Marine in Singapore is also in his resume. You don't play 350 English League games without learning a few tricks and the natural progression with Norwich, as top club scorer in 3 consecutive leagues stamps his ability to adapt to higher levels with ease.
Holt's goals this year have come against International quality defences. Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton and Swansea have hosted 5 of his strikes and at home Blackburn, QPR, Newcastle, Man Utd, Wolves and Everton have felt the force of Holt. Out of these teams, the defenders on show represent England, Holland, France, Sweden, Portugal, Wales, Serbia, Slovakia and Congo at the top. Stamford Bridge, Anfield and Goodison Park are not easy places to go and score and the only top teams missing from the list of internationals are Spain and Germany.
With regards to those goals, there aren't many scrappy ones. For all their passing and technique, Norwich are a long ball team, with a league high 15 of their 47 goals coming from headers. 5 of these were Holt's. He took two penalties and scored them both - of which there is obvious value to the national side. In short, Holt's natural game would fit into the England set up, as the history of playing wingers and aiming to beat teams down the flanks requires someone capable of good positioning and heading ability. 2 of England's 3 goals at the last World Cup came from crosses. With Ashley Young, Adam Johnson, Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Stewart Downing or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to make the team, and overlapping fullbacks, Grant Holt is much more accomplished to finish the chances these players would create then the likes of Jermaine Defoe, Darren Bent or Danny Welbeck.
But Holt isn't just a battering ram or target man. His goal to swing the tie against Wolves was the mark of a striker with a great footballing mind, and the touch and composure to match, which drew the attention of others than just myself:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/mar/25/norwich-wolverhampton-wanderers-premier-league-report1
And finally, the comparison against his competition:
- Defoe - Took a while, but graduated to become an England regular. If he had played for Spurs all season, would be a certainty; probably to start. The irony is that Harry Redknapp's lack of faith in him may be carried to the England side should he step up.
- Bent - A completely different player to Holt. A poacher, who's played for a bad team this year. Seems to score goals all the time, except for his rare England chances.
- Sturridge - Has shown talent, including substitute appearance in the latest friendly. Should be taken, but deployed on the wing.
- Welbeck - Has moved into Sir Alex Ferguson's first team, but still needs to improve finishing and first touch before becoming integral to England. Is developing a rapport with Rooney.
- Rooney - No-one will keep him out, England's best striker.
- Crouch - Holt's main comparison, has had his chances but hasn't been as hot at Stoke.
- Carroll - Flopped after gargantuan transfer, may mature to hold England number 9 shirt, far too inconsistent and out of form.
- Zamora - Can be a brilliant target, but form has been patchy and needs a consistent domestic season to impress.
- Campbell - Missed too much of Sunderland's season, despite fleeting shines.
- Agbonlahor - Has missed games and played in a poor side, may have missed chance.
- Graham - Done Holt's job at Swansea. Hasn't done more than good finishing.
Barring Paul Lambert's surprise call up as manager, I implore the boss to select Holt, as the catalyst for tournament success needs some ingenuity and braveness, and Grant Holt's inclusion might just give that to the nation.
Friday, 16 March 2012
European Coefficients: Who's Letting Whose Side Down?
Last night marked the worst English performance in European club football since 2003. Following the best part of a decade of Champions League and Europa League (UEFA Cup to the seasoned supporter and I) success, the drying pool of English European talent is becoming abundantly clear.
The current UEFA Country Coefficient reads as such:
| # | country | 07/08 | 08/09 | 09/10 | 10/11 | 11/12 | ranking | teams |
| 1 | England | 17.875 | 15.000 | 17.928 | 18.357 | 14.000 | 83.160 | 1/ 8 |
| 2 | Spain | 13.875 | 13.312 | 17.928 | 18.214 | 16.000 | 79.329 | 5/ 7 |
| 3 | Germany | 13.500 | 12.687 | 18.083 | 15.666 | 13.583 | 73.519 | 3/ 6 |
| 4 | Italy | 10.250 | 11.375 | 15.428 | 11.571 | 11.214 | 59.838 | 1/ 7 |
| 5 | Portugal | 7.928 | 6.785 | 10.000 | 18.800 | 10.833 | 54.346 | 2/ 6 |
| 6 | France | 6.928 | 11.000 | 15.000 | 10.750 | 10.500 | 54.178 | 1/ 6 |
| 7 | Russia | 11.250 | 9.750 | 6.166 | 10.916 | 9.750 | 47.832 | 6 |
| 8 | Netherlands | 5.000 | 6.333 | 9.416 | 11.166 | 13.200 | 45.115 | 1/ 5 |
| 9 | Ukraine | 4.875 | 16.625 | 5.800 | 10.083 | 7.583 | 44.966 | 1/ 6 |
| 10 | Greece | 7.500 | 6.500 | 7.900 | 7.600 | 7.600 | 37.100 | 5 |
Fulham provided England with an extra team following a fair play league bonus entry this year but from now on, the focus falls on the future of coefficient; and whether England will fall back down the rankings. Spain effectively need their 5 remaining representatives to win both ties of their quarter finals and then two of their teams go on to win the Champions League and the Europa League between them, to overhaul England this year. A repeat of this season's performances - minus Fulham's results as they were a bonus side this year - would leave England's yearly coefficient at 11.875 (plus Chelsea's results in this year's Quarter Finals). With a total of 77.16 and Spain clearly on top, Germany would more than likely surpass the English and England's focus would be on retaining their 7th representative from the sides below.
In terms of calculating England's Coefficient, the teams' performance's impact as so:
| Clubs | qW | qD | qL | W | D | L | Bonus | Pts | Average | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Arsenal | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 9.000 | ||||
 Chelsea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 10.000 | ||||
 Man. City | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 4.000 | ||||
 Man. United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4.000 | ||||
 Stoke | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 0.000 | ||||
 Tottenham | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0.000 | ||||
 Birmingham | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0.000 | ||||
 Fulham | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0.000 | ||||
| 1 |  England | 13 | 4 | 1 | 28 | 14 | 20 | 27.000 | 112.000 | 14.000 |
When both Manchester clubs were pre-season favourites to progress in the elite tournament, their failure and subsequent elimination in the sister cup resulted in the significant knock to England's coefficient. Some cite a lack of interest from the best sides in an 'inferior' cup whilst the need to win the Premier League and qualify for next year's Champions League takes priority. This mentality will only damage the future of English football. If our representatives throw their games to maintain their elite status the gulf between the perennial European sides and the aspirational pretenders will only widen and a reduction in the designation of English spots will all but remove hope for the likes of Everton, Newcastle, Stoke and others.
The presence, or lack of, of Manchester United and City in the Europa League is a blight on the Premier League, when the whole midtable would give anything to represent their country on that stage. I'm not suggesting that Sunderland would be able to stop the beautiful play that Bilbao produced in two legs against United, but the stadium would be sold out, the team would play with the passion of a cup final and the country would be well represented. Take Stoke City's play compared to Tottenham's in their Europa League groups. Stoke progressed from a tougher group while Spurs played their reserves and lost, the rewards for next season - Spurs will play Champions League and barring a FA Cup triumph Stoke have nothing.
Is a change in the way England is represented at Continental level needed? Or will forward financial planning and Europa League snobbery shrink our coefficient and segregate the elite from those actually want to be there?
Or are we just not as good as we think we are...
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
England 2-3 Holland: Concern for All
Although merely a 'friendly', tonight's Wembley clash between the 3rd and 5th best football teams in the world spelt disaster for both nations.
Aside from the loss, English fans cannot look at the display against the Netherlands and accept it, even if only three first team members started the match. England's lack of strength in options from defence through to attack were painfully obvious in mistakes from Richards, Baines and Smalling - although the latter left the game in very unfortunate circumstances. With what appeared to be a broken nose, Klass Jan Huntelaar's full speed collision with Smalling's head was wretched to watch and the health of both players following the sport's most dangerous injury will be of paramount importance and interest.
Following the news of Scott Parker's promotion to captain, his performance was one of note for the three lions. Leading through courageous example, Parker was never shy to tackle, block and hustle the heavyweight talents of Robben, Schneider and Van Persie - and kept them quiet for the first half of the game. Johnson at right wing impressed with some good line play, and his combinations with Micah Richards will be an interesting ingredient in the decisions regarding the right sided line-up of future teams. Short of this, England look desperately short of ideas in attack. Danny Welbeck is nowhere close to being international standard, as his skill of pace is redundant with no support or service. Whereas Rooney can create chances from nothing, as well as linking up attacks before becoming the finisher, Welbeck offers neither particularly well. Frazier Cambell cannot expect to be involved in senior action for the foreseeable future, or until he has strung at least a season of quality performances together. The light for England's attacking future comes from Daniel Sturridge. The Chelsea hitman displayed real flare, confidence and skill and created some chances of serious note. He would have been on the scoresheet if not for the excellence of Stekelenberg saving his snapshot with little view of it.
Where Hart, Parker and Sturridge showed class, Baines, Welbeck and Richards need to apply themselves differently to improve the team. Sadly, all three will make the squad to the Ukraine as the depth of the nation's talent pool is not great.
This also makes the assessment of the Holland performance a little less shiny for the Dutch. In the first period, the first string Netherlands attack could not break down England's reserves. In the European Championships, they will need to score from open play and the knockout phase sides will fortify their goals much more so than Richards, Baines, Cahill and Smalling. Two of the Dutch goals came from counter attacks which England have never been able to deal with. In two banks of four, they are unbreakable, but man for man the Germans tore them apart, the Dutch did tonight, and the Spanish will be merciless. Robben's winner took a lucky deflection and although one England goal was offside, the other was carved through the Dutch defence in a rare moment of English quality.
In foresight, both teams will qualify for the quarter finals in Euro 2012, but winning is beyond them. England's reinforcements will be called upon, through injury, fatigue, and mindless kick-induced suspensions. For the Netherlands, the side look strong, but will struggle to break down the highest seeds in the tournament and following an easy run in to the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, will not find it so easy in Eastern Europe.
Aside from the loss, English fans cannot look at the display against the Netherlands and accept it, even if only three first team members started the match. England's lack of strength in options from defence through to attack were painfully obvious in mistakes from Richards, Baines and Smalling - although the latter left the game in very unfortunate circumstances. With what appeared to be a broken nose, Klass Jan Huntelaar's full speed collision with Smalling's head was wretched to watch and the health of both players following the sport's most dangerous injury will be of paramount importance and interest.
Following the news of Scott Parker's promotion to captain, his performance was one of note for the three lions. Leading through courageous example, Parker was never shy to tackle, block and hustle the heavyweight talents of Robben, Schneider and Van Persie - and kept them quiet for the first half of the game. Johnson at right wing impressed with some good line play, and his combinations with Micah Richards will be an interesting ingredient in the decisions regarding the right sided line-up of future teams. Short of this, England look desperately short of ideas in attack. Danny Welbeck is nowhere close to being international standard, as his skill of pace is redundant with no support or service. Whereas Rooney can create chances from nothing, as well as linking up attacks before becoming the finisher, Welbeck offers neither particularly well. Frazier Cambell cannot expect to be involved in senior action for the foreseeable future, or until he has strung at least a season of quality performances together. The light for England's attacking future comes from Daniel Sturridge. The Chelsea hitman displayed real flare, confidence and skill and created some chances of serious note. He would have been on the scoresheet if not for the excellence of Stekelenberg saving his snapshot with little view of it.
Where Hart, Parker and Sturridge showed class, Baines, Welbeck and Richards need to apply themselves differently to improve the team. Sadly, all three will make the squad to the Ukraine as the depth of the nation's talent pool is not great.
This also makes the assessment of the Holland performance a little less shiny for the Dutch. In the first period, the first string Netherlands attack could not break down England's reserves. In the European Championships, they will need to score from open play and the knockout phase sides will fortify their goals much more so than Richards, Baines, Cahill and Smalling. Two of the Dutch goals came from counter attacks which England have never been able to deal with. In two banks of four, they are unbreakable, but man for man the Germans tore them apart, the Dutch did tonight, and the Spanish will be merciless. Robben's winner took a lucky deflection and although one England goal was offside, the other was carved through the Dutch defence in a rare moment of English quality.
In foresight, both teams will qualify for the quarter finals in Euro 2012, but winning is beyond them. England's reinforcements will be called upon, through injury, fatigue, and mindless kick-induced suspensions. For the Netherlands, the side look strong, but will struggle to break down the highest seeds in the tournament and following an easy run in to the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, will not find it so easy in Eastern Europe.
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