Wasn't there a book called Why do England lose or something similar and in it one of the reasons given was that football in the UK was massively class based which meant we missed out on potential good players (law of averages) even if it was one good international player every generation it was considered one of the fine margins for losing at the highest level.
I will see if I can get find it, although our Library is being refurbished.
How posh are you? Shooters will be getting house envy! ;-)
So fucking posh you wouldn't believe it, I have been repainting the bookshelves with some Farrow and Ball* paint.
*Left behind by previous owners and found at the back of the shed.
Wasn't there a book called Why do England lose or something similar and in it one of the reasons given was that football in the UK was massively class based which meant we missed out on potential good players (law of averages) even if it was one good international player every generation it was considered one of the fine margins for losing at the highest level.
I will see if I can get find it, although our Library is being refurbished.
That's interesting. Would probably take a look at that.
Will try and find it but struggling to move head at the moment.
Funnily enough read this interview with Neville Southall today, obviously praising Pickford to the hilt https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/09/jordan-pickford-one-question-how-good-neville-southall one of the points he makes is that the current squad is a return to working class values, a lot of the players have played in non league or lower leagues and understand that talent alone is not enough. I get the impression it's not been like that for some time, though I'm fairly certain that it was like that in 66. Even better though, is this is a young team, they can get better. Looking forward to the claims from various parts of the north along the lines of the West ham boast.
Funnily enough read this interview with Neville Southall today, obviously praising Pickford to the hilt https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/09/jordan-pickford-one-question-how-good-neville-southall one of the points he makes is that the current squad is a return to working class values, a lot of the players have played in non league or lower leagues and understand that talent alone is not enough. I get the impression it's not been like that for some time, though I'm fairly certain that it was like that in 66. Even better though, is this is a young team, they can get better. Looking forward to the claims from various parts of the north along the lines of the West ham boast.
Since that article is about Pickford.... I must say I've become a fan of this young keeper now. I followed Sunderland a bit during the 2015/16 season and their first match I watched live was the away fixture against Spurs in January 2016. IIRC it was Pickford's Premier League debut and Sunderland conceded four goals! He wasn't even their first choice goalkeeper then. Nobody would have thought he would be England's No.1 in two years' time let alone being so brilliant in this WC. I was slightly worried before the tournament thinking maybe he was too young and wouldn't be able to cope with all the pressure but I was totally wrong. Age has actaully been an advantage and Pickford, along with the rest of this young England team have shown that they are fearless and probably carry less mental pressure/stress. They are still young and they've got nothing to lose so they don't seem to worry too much. Pickford showed so much passion during the Sweden game, which was truly amazing to see. It's players like this that make me really love a national team other than my own country's.
I'm not entirely sure about the author's 'England's No.1 for the next 10 years' prediction but as long as he stays injury free and keeps grounded, keeps working hard, does not get carried away, he'll be your No.1 for quite some years I think. (Big Sam wouldn't have dropped Hart for Pickford so well done to Southgate!)
Delle Ali's back story is an absolute show stopper! Mum an alcoholic from Milton Keynes Dad an Nigerian multi millionaire! He's adopted by another couple and estranged from his parents!
I bet he ignores the emails from him like we all do.
Comments
*Left behind by previous owners and found at the back of the shed.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/09/jordan-pickford-one-question-how-good-neville-southall
one of the points he makes is that the current squad is a return to working class values, a lot of the players have played in non league or lower leagues and understand that talent alone is not enough.
I get the impression it's not been like that for some time, though I'm fairly certain that it was like that in 66.
Even better though, is this is a young team, they can get better.
Looking forward to the claims from various parts of the north along the lines of the West ham boast.
I'm not entirely sure about the author's 'England's No.1 for the next 10 years' prediction but as long as he stays injury free and keeps grounded, keeps working hard, does not get carried away, he'll be your No.1 for quite some years I think. (Big Sam wouldn't have dropped Hart for Pickford so well done to Southgate!)