Having slowly regenerated some train of thought following last night’s heartache, we can now gradually begin to assess the team’s overall performance.
Leading up to the tournament, this much-maligned England side was predominantly written off. Despite a successful qualifying group and a vastly experienced side, the burden of a managerial change and an ongoing racial dispute had somewhat clouded the National side’s chances.
You could argue the problems that England had endured over the course of the buildup to Ukraine & Poland, somewhat eased the anticipated pressure.
Amidst all the controversy that had surrounded this team, a new face was at the helm of this England side and most notably, an Englishman. Roy Hodgson’s appointment divided opinion, but nevertheless his experience would prove a decisive factor.
Following the appointment of Steven Gerrard as team captain and the omission of Rio Ferdinand from the squad, Hodgson proceeded to take his injury stricken side to the Euro’s.
Given the prosperity of the opening tie against group favorites France, it was seemingly a point gained rather than two lost. We had shared the spoils against a team that would be eventually exposed for the mediocre side they are, in the latter stages of the tournament.
But the match in Donetsk evidently displayed Hodgson’s mindset going into the Euro’s; to instigate a formula which would make England become an organized and disciplined unit.
Hodgson’s philosophy was once again replicated against Sweden & Ukraine, the only exception being the emergence of the spirit and belief which had been missing from this England side for years.
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We all knew, going into the tournament that Hodgson has always been a great advocate for the traditional 4-4-2 formation and these Championships have certainly reiterated that ideology.
A dramatic 3-2 win over the Swedes and an uninspiring 1-0 victory over home favorites Ukraine, saw England top the group and subsequently face Italy in the quarter-finals.
On paper the gap between the English & Italians was marginal, with both sides seeing this competition as their transitional period. Unfortunately for the English, the midfield metronome, Andrea Pirlo, ultimately extinguished England’s resilience and inspired his side to victory on penalties.
Which in turn, leads me to the positives to take from the European Championships; The England captain, spoke frequently about the belief and camaraderie amongst the players which can only galvanize them even further. Roy Hodgson himself, has integrated belief and spirit into what was, a lackadaisical squad. Stand out individual performances, with the likes of John Terry vindicating Hodgson’s team selection and Steven Gerrard thriving off being captain. The work ethic of the players, epitomized the way they should play in an England shirt.
But most importantly we are now a compact and cohesive unit, which make us tough to breakdown, although it does hinder the attacking impetus and fluidity we need to venture forward, it establishes a foundation for the side to perhaps improve the ball retention, which will eventually lead to more goal scoring opportunities.
As far as the negatives go; you could argue that there is no urgency in our attacking play, perhaps giving us the much libeled title of ‘anti-football’, but people must factor into their mind’s that football is about playing the situation and you accommodating your play to counter act your opposition. As well as that, inadvertent injuries prevented us from perhaps mounting a stronger challenge towards the top sides.
If we had somehow progressed to the semis, you can’t help but feel we would only be prolonging the inevitable. However, there is undoubtedly cause for optimism amongst the nation, in a competition where we have arguably exceeded expectations, encouraging signs have followed. Hodgson’s side has indeed made inroads, with Brazil just around the corner.
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