The only thing worse than watching England fail to get past Slovakia’s bus is the reaction that followed. From Roy Hodgson’s genius as a manager that guided us to a late win over Wales to Roy Hodgson’s sheer ineptitude that guided us to a dour draw against Slovakia. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.
I can’t say I greatly enjoyed the game tonight but we weren’t that bad. I’m afraid Jack Wilshere, who I love as a footballer, was that bad, miles off the pace and shouldn’t be near the pitch, I’m afraid, but all of our shortfalls as a footballing nation were on view tonight.
What we lacked was broken play which comes about either as a result of some unpredictably, dazzling football or by someone making a cock up. Unfortunately, we don’t do unpredictable or if do, we don’t pick the players who are unpredictable.
I dread to think what will happen if we come up against one of the really big teams like Germany, Spain or France. We have all these strikers who are full of goals, but we have a midfield that, Rooney aside, can’t move the ball quickly and can’t produce a killer ball. And let’s not even mention the defence.
A great coach can make a difference – just look at what Eddie Jones has managed for the rugby union team and what Wayne Bennett will do for the league equivalent – so Roy Hodgson is not entirely blameless in this. Granted, he has plenty of square pegs and round holes but surely he can do a bit better than this.
I look at our team and they are young and functional. There is no Hoddle, or Gazza or even a Gerrard to grab the game by the scruff of the neck. And without Rooney, we are bereft of leadership. Why on earth did Hodgson leave him out? But then, Hodgson can’t win. Before the tournament, the armchair fans were condemning the fact that Rooney had even made the squad, never mind the team. It was anyone but Rooney.
A last 16 appearance waits, hopefully against someone very average but knowing our luck Portugal. And we know how that will play out.
Another day, another England disappointment. Just like two years ago and every two years ago back until 1966. And ever more shall be so.
