Watching the Champions League semi-finals second legs over the last couple of days has led me to re-evaluate the current state of English football and I wanted to put the case forward that things are perhaps not as bad as Trevor Brooking and others may have us believe.
Admittedly, the English national team not qualifying for the European Football Chamionships is a major disappointment; and the national team have been consistently under-achieving for a while now. Is there not a danger though, that this disappointment has caused some to over-state the case that there has been a gradual deterioration in the standard of British football?
For a moment, let us put national competitions to one side. It is apparent that for the majority of players, the honour of representing one’s country has lost some of its appeal in contrast to competing for a big club in competitions such as the Champion’s League. Many would argue that over the last decade or so, the Champions League has usurped the European Championships if not the World Cup as the showcase for the world’s most talented players.
Is it not time then, for certain English clubs to get a pat on the back? Is it not a remarkable achievement that for two consecutive years, arguably our best three teams (Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool) have made it into the semi-finals of this competition?
Many lament the fact that the Premiership is now populated with more foreign players than ever before and admittedly, they are certainly in abundance, adding some much-needed flair and skill to the three clubs mentioned. What so often seems to go overlooked though, is that playing alongside those players is a fairly good representation of the Best of British talent. What is also noticeable is that these players are not just making up the numbers; they are in the most part making up the backbone or spine of the team.
Consider Manchester United’s 2nd leg against Barcelona. They had Ferdinand, supported ably by Brown playing centre back; Hargreaves supporting out of position at full-back; with Carrick and Scholes running the centre of the park. Giggs made a brief but accomplished appearance. If it weren’t for injury, Rooney would also have been putting it about upfront.
How about the other finalists, Chelsea? John Terry at centre back is obviously a hugely influential player, as is Ashley Cole when he is on his game. Joe Cole never stops running and can turn a game around. Frank Lampard is known for his effort and determination and Sean Wright-Philips when utilised is capable of moments of pure magic.
Even the defeated semi-finalists, Liverpool are not without their influential British contingent, with Gerrard and Carragher proving to be formidable opposition, and Pennant’s precocious talent. Let’s not forget Crouch either, joint 2nd top scorer in last season’s Champions League.
For some reason, Arsenal, who for the most part seem to boycott British players are hardly worthy of a mention.
Perhaps this evidence of British talent needs to be highlighted. OK so our players are not necessarily the most technically gifted or dazzling to watch, but they have grit and strength in abundance and these are characteristics that can win games, leagues and competitions.
I for one do not think it is a bad thing that British players get the chance to play in the best domestic league in the world and if it attracts the best players form around the world, so much the better. We are showing in both the domestic league and Champions League that we are capable of competing with the best, and our young players will develop as they play and watch the best competitors of all races.
I think the most disappointing thing about England not qualifying for the European Cup is that a large number of quality players, as well as a number with great potential will miss out playing for their country in a big competition. However, I believe our current crop of players have the potential to bounce back and will benefit from the prolonged kick up the behind that they have been receiving.
