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'We've got the chance' Despite problems, England confident entering Euro 2000
Posted: Saturday May 27, 2000 03:20 PM
LONDON (Reuters) -- England goes into the European Championship as it has every major tournament it has reached in the last 30 years -- overflowing with unjustified optimism. Since winning the World Cup on home soil in 1966, England's achievements at international level have been undistinguished to say the least. It has not made another final since and only at Euro 96, again on home soil, did it look good enough to win, eventually losing in the semifinals to Germany on penalties. But that was four years ago, and since then Terry Venables has been succeeded by Glenn Hoddle and now Kevin Keegan. Under Hoddle, England performed poorly in the 1998 World Cup. Its battling, 10-man penalties defeat to Argentina in the second round came only after a poor performance and 2-1 defeat by Romania. And after Hoddle was sacked in February, Keegan inherited a team short of confidence and form. Defeat in Sweden and an awful goalless Wembley draw with Bulgaria had left its Euro 2000 chances in the balance, while a comprehensive 2-0 home defeat by France made it clear how far off the pace they were. Keegan was talismanKeegan immediately injected belief and enthusiasm, but another goalless draw in Poland meant he had to wait and hope Sweden could beat the Poles for England to scrape into a playoff place. They duly did and England faced old enemies Scotland in the playoffs, winning impressively 2-0 in Glasgow but slumping to a miserable 1-0 home defeat in the second leg to make the finals very much by the back door. The most alarming aspect of that Wembley defeat, where England failed to muster a single shot on target, was the inability to change things on the pitch when its tactics were not working. The biggest problem then, and now, was the lack of a midfield general -- someone who can grab the game by the scruff of the neck and change its direction. The Premier League's best -- Roy Keane, Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira -- are all foreigners, and for Keegan the cupboard is bare. However, the coach remained bullishly optimistic. "I know some people will laugh, but at this moment we've got the chance to win Euro 2000," he said after the Scotland defeat. "I need to solve one or two problems, but we've got a little time to experiment." His only game since then was a goalless home draw with Argentina when England upped the tempo to manage one shot on target. Keegan pronounced himself delighted with the performance and must have been so convinced all was rosy that he declined to play further friendlies on two international dates in the spring, when virtually every other team in Europe was in action. Three friendlies to get it rightAs a result, he has just home friendlies with Brazil and Ukraine and a trip to Malta before the Euro 2000 action starts. England opens against Portugal on June 11, then plays Germany and Romania. And with all eyes on the Germany game, there is a danger that the challenge of Portugal could be overlooked. The skilful Portuguese could embarrass England in midfield, but, assuming a fit central defensive partnership of Tony Adams and Sol Campbell to keep them at bay, it is a fixture Keegan must expect to win. A draw, or even defeat against Germany would leave everything hanging on the rematch with the technically gifted but unpredictable Romanians. To win two of those games Keegan must find an incisive midfield and forward combination -- something palpably missing in recent games. The Manchester United duo of Paul Scholes, for his dynamic running and goals, and David Beckham, for his wonderful crosses, are certain starters in midfield. But who plays alongside them remains to be decided. Paul Ince and Dennis Wise appear to be vying for the "anchorman" spot while the ever-troublesome left midfield position is open, though Steve McManaman's impressive displays for Real Madrid might see him stake a late claim. Shearer a certain starter up topCaptain Alan Shearer, due to retire from international soccer after the tournament, is a certain starter up front, but Keegan seems unsure who should partner him. Liverpool duo Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler are both edging back to full fitness after lengthy injury lay-offs, while goal-shy Emile Heskey's muscular approach is unlikely to unsettle the cream of Europe's defenders. Other options are Sunderland's diminutive but prolific Kevin Phillips or even Manchester United super-sub Teddy Sheringham, who grooved so well with Shearer at Euro 96. While Keegan may still be some way from deciding his first choice team, he must quickly decide on his tactics. No longer can patriotism and self-belief be enough -- not that they ever were -- and if England is to have any chance of success, or even making the knock-out stages, it must rediscover the ability to create chances and hope its strikers are fit enough to take them.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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