England’s top 23 players reached the shores of the Far East in battle-scarred condition. The inspirational Steven Gerrard, left back home, lost cruelly to injury days before the off was an almighty blow.
England 2006: Liverpool expects
England’s top 23 players reached the shores of the Far East in battle-scarred condition. The inspirational Steven Gerrard, left back home, lost cruelly to injury days before the off was an almighty blow.
For England captain David Beckham a rushed recovery from his metatarsal break was achieved just in time, subsequently meaning his fitness for the tournament was borderline.
With this in mind, England performed over and above the call of duty to hoist themselves admirably from the so-called group of death. Everyone had condemned England to having little hope yet Sven’s men took their place proudly in the second round where they solidly disposed of Denmark with clinical efficiency.
At the quarter-final stage the dream died. The three lions befell complete capitulation against Brazil, guilty of showing their illustrious South American counterparts too much respect.
It was not the same Brazil that struggled to thwart the plucky challenge of Belgium just days prior to facing our lads. Brazil were disjointed and untidy that day against Belgium, they were lucky. Their display bordered on abysmal. Against England they were sublime. That’s football.
But that must all be forgotten, history has taught us that dithering on the past and on what might have been is always dangerous. Truth is, Japan and Korea was always going to be a tournament too soon for an England with an average age of just 24. Some surprising performances made us forget that this team’s time was not now. They would have their day, that was certain, but not yet, not in the land of the rising sun.
It was always considered that the next World Cup would be the time to judge the current squad and when Eriksson’s teachings and influence will have have reached its zenith.
With this in mind, England performed over and above the call of duty to hoist themselves admirably from the so-called group of death. Everyone had condemned England to having little hope yet Sven’s men took their place proudly in the second round where they solidly disposed of Denmark with clinical efficiency.
At the quarter-final stage the dream died. The three lions befell complete capitulation against Brazil, guilty of showing their illustrious South American counterparts too much respect.
It was not the same Brazil that struggled to thwart the plucky challenge of Belgium just days prior to facing our lads. Brazil were disjointed and untidy that day against Belgium, they were lucky. Their display bordered on abysmal. Against England they were sublime. That’s football.
But that must all be forgotten, history has taught us that dithering on the past and on what might have been is always dangerous. Truth is, Japan and Korea was always going to be a tournament too soon for an England with an average age of just 24. Some surprising performances made us forget that this team’s time was not now. They would have their day, that was certain, but not yet, not in the land of the rising sun.
It was always considered that the next World Cup would be the time to judge the current squad and when Eriksson’s teachings and influence will have have reached its zenith.
For 2006 in Germany, the England side will be built around a nucleus of Liverpool players with expansive, regular experience in Europe’s premier competition. This spine will be Chris Kirkland, Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen
Chris Kirkland, skillful, vigilant and with supreme concentration will continue to develop and grow over the next couple of seasons increasing pressure on Jerzy Dudek as the Anfield number one. Once he has secured his position in between the sticks for Liverpool, it will simply be a matter of time before he realises his dream of becoming the safest pair of hands in England.
Then there is Gerrard. Replacing Beckham as the new jewel in England’s crown. Taking the Man United stars mantle, Gerrard will also take the captain’s armband. It’s a pretty safe observation to say that the midfield dynamo will have developed into one hell of player by the time of the next World Cup. When you consider just what an exceptional player he already is, at the tender age of 22, the prospect of the player he will be in four years time is truly frightening.
Captain Gerrard will be at the very peak of his powers, or at least very close. Unquestionably, he will not only be competing for European footballer of the year, season after season, but its World equivalent too. Not to mention that there should be a couple of Premiership and Champions League winners medals placed proudly along his mantle piece.
Last but not least, the pint-sized striker from Chester - Michael Owen. Whatever he is referred to, be it Owen, Saint Michael or Little Mo, is inconsequential, the little fella is goal-scoring gold, plain and simple. By the next World Cup he too will be 26 and will likely have a hat trick of European Footballer of the year awards, largely being regarded as the best striker in the world.
Owen, like Shearer and Lineker before him, will represent the fulcrum of England’s offensive capabilities. Becoming evermore prolific as the years roll by he closes impressively in on England’s all-time top scorer accolade.
England, guided by the Liverpool lads, will have an outstanding group of players to do battle on the Bavarian soil in 2006. I can’t wait.