Joshua Jalal
The recent U21 European Championship this week has been another example of how far England is behind their European counterparts; we lack enthusiasm, motivation and direction. Unfortunately, time is running out.
To really understand the dynamics of the current struggle, think of the U21s as the Clarke Kent of football; they have undoubted quality yet are still going through growing pains and struggling with the expectations that their talent and pedigree beholds. The series of unimpressive performances, highlighted in their game against Israel, have placed the system and overall state of English football under further scrutiny. Players like Wilfried Zaha, Conor Wickham and Jordan Henderson, players all signed for a minimum of £9 million, failed to perform to the same level as their European counterparts despite success, in the case of Zaha and Wickham, in the championship. Henderson even showed glimpses of Lampard-esque box-to-box midfield talent at Sunderland but since then has had no significant development at international or club level. In comparison, Adam Maher of the Netherlands and Alvaro Morata of Spain, who have been influential in their success of their respective U21 teams, especially Maher who has been sublime at club level for AZ Alkmaar. Unlike their English counterparts, Maher and Morata have faced little or no pressure whilst continuing to make impressive strides in their individual development.
Wickham and Zaha have both come under criticism from their respective club managers for revelling in the spotlight and wealth that English footballers have become accustomed to. Di Canio recently claimed Wickham needs a slap and must stop leading his playboy lifestyle if he is to fulfil his potential. Issues of excessive and unnecessary pressure as well as the questionable lifestyle associated with young English footballers also brings into question the state of English football. However, their overall diva demeanour, having secured a lucrative contract to represent England at youth level, is damaging the set up and undoubtedly affects the levels of performance. This attitude is unique to English football and is yet be mirrored by the great youth set ups in Holland and Spain, begging the question why young English players believe they are entitled to this glamorous lifestyle when they are publicly reminded of how far behind they are.
I am, however, cautious not to over emphasise the role of the players’ lifestyles in the failures of the U21 tournament. Other factors also contributed to the lacklustre display of Stuart Pearce’s side. Spain and Italy, for example, were based around first team members in Verrati, the acclaimed successor of Andreas Pirlo, and Isco, the technical trequarista that spear headed Malaga’s challenge in the Champions League. Both have been instrumental to the success of their respective teams whilst England, in comparison, was without their starlet and national treasure, Jack Wilshire. First team playing opportunities are another issue, with both Verrati and Isco playing considerable first team football at the highest standard whilst Wickham and Henderson played lower level football and others such as Zaha and Josh McCrachan of Chelsea were restricted to the Championship. This, of course, does not explain the loss to Norway, but instead illustrates how disappointment and failure this summer must be considered with a broader perspective and it not entirely the fault of the English set up.
Lets just hope the struggles experienced this June form part of a very steep learning curve that will force both the FA and Premier league clubs to realise the dire state of affairs that awaits English football unless change is actively pursued and that one day, underneath the white shirts and embroidered Nike logo, the three lions will been worn with pride and met with success.