[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

See my previous post. We're found wanting because we don't teach these skills to our youngsters, not because the innate ability doesn't exist within English players.

Imagine if we didn't allow computers into schools or universities in this country, but instead insisted on teaching all English kids compulsory Woodwork. Some kids would teach themselves IT skills at home, but it would be all trial and error, and at school they'd be told to forget all that stuff and concentrate on their sawing instead. Then, when we inevitably end up with a national shortage of graphic designers, e-commerce entrepreneurs and all the rest, instead of investing in computers for our schools, our enraged and anguished response is: "WOODWORK IS THE ENGLISH WAY! KIDS, YOU'RE NOT SAWING YOUR COMPUTERS ENOUGH!" The world would think we were mental. And they'd be right.

This is what we're doing with football. And the world thinks we're mental. And they're right.

[BaggyBomber]

Drewks,
I would imagine that I am a fair bit older than you and, thus, my datum point is probably earlier than yours!

Ska,
Another excellent epistle.


Germany almost always put up a good international showing.  Yet, in my mind, their play is similar to English style and their players have physiques similar to us, not at all Latino.  In fact I don't see they're  much different in style to their '66 team just, possibly, more powerful.  Why are they so successful?  What's the critical difference?  I am under the impression there is a significant number of foreign players in their domestic league as well.  Why doesn't the England team move on?

---

Drewks,
I would imagine that I am a fair bit older than you and, thus, my datum point is probably earlier than yours!

Ska,
Another excellent epistle.


Germany almost always put up a good international showing.  Yet, in my mind, their play is similar to English style and their players have physiques similar to us, not at all Latino.  In fact I don't see they're  much different in style to their '66 team just, possibly, more powerful.  Why are they so successful?  What's the critical difference?  I am under the impression there is a significant number of foreign players in their domestic league as well.  Why doesn't the England team move on?

Ska'd,

Hadn't seen your last message when I posted the above.

[drewks]

...an interesting debate, certainly.
My opinion is that we DO have a few talented, technical players, and we mostly always have had - but not nearly as many as the more successful international teams, certainly - they are in a huge minority. The Enland HC can't pick what isn't there, and so it's got to go down to 'grass roots' - coaching kids to improve this aspect, and get that going in the schools AND clubs.
However this can't happen overnight, and until it changes and then bears fruit, lets PLAY TO OUR STRENGTHS and not try and (miserabley fail to) match the best by playing a type of game that we just don't have the players to play!