Whenever there is an International tournament around the corner, there is a huge sense of optimism in England regarding the national team’s chances.
In the last 4 major tournaments that we have witnessed – the Euro 2004 in Portugal, the World Cup 2006 in Germany, the Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, and the World Cup 2010 in South Africa – the media always projects England as the favorites. However, the reality is that it has been 45 years now that England have not won a major International trophy. The last and only success came for England in 1996 when Sir Bobby Charlton led the three lions to victory at the Wembley Stadium.
Going into next year’s Euro though, the media has refrained from labeling Fabio Capello’s men as favorites for the tournament. A few months back, Fabio Capello was lambasted in the media as a buffon who had serious man-management issues. The way in which he handled the matter of the captaincy of the national team stole the headlines. But after the recent victories against World Champions Spain and Sweden yesterday, Fabio has again been heralded as one of the best managers in football.
The Italian tactician has announced his desire to leave his current post at the end of next year’s tournament and it is now in his hands as to how he would like himself to be remembered in England.
Now, the more serious question – Can England win it?
A couple of 1-0 victories in two international friendlies does not make England one of the best teams in Europe at the present time although they defeated Spain at the Wembley on Saturday.
To be honest though, England can feel proud of themselves after beating the current European and World Champions. It is the second time in the past 31 years that England have defeated a World Cup holder. The last time around they achieved this feat was against Argentina in 1980. England are not a bad side for that matter. The side has got plenty of quality and if we look at the stats, England have topped their Euro 2012 qualifying group with an undefeated run of 5 wins and a hattrick of drawn games.
If we take a look at the negatives now, the sad bit for the three lions will be the suspension of Wayne Rooney from all the group fixtures after the Manchester United striker saw a red in their last qualifier. Wayne Rooney is England’s best player without a shadow of doubt and his absence will have a huge bearing on the results.
Secondly, England’s star players are known to turn up at International tournaments tired and often injured after a long and demanding Barclay’s Premier League season, where they give their all. In contrast, the likes of Holland, Germany, and Spain are much better rested. Add to all this some controversy or the other just before the tournament begins, and there you have it!