Survey

I got this email on some census done of some 3000 England fans on what they think. I'm going to paste the whole chunk here.

Only 4% Of Fans Back England To Win World Cup

London 27th November 2007 … A Football Fans Census survey of over 3,000 England fans from all Premier and Football League Clubs has revealed that only 4% believe England will win the tournament in 2010.

The survey comes hot on the heels of the FA’s announcement to conduct a 'root and branch review' into the senior England set up following the defeat to Croatia. Fans will be hoping for some positive steps, as only 13% of them currently believe that the side will get beyond the Quarter Final stage in the 2010 World Cup.

England’s Poisoned Chalice?

The majority of fans (54%) believe the England Manager’s job has become a poisoned chalice. 60% of fans think there is too much pressure on the England Manager and 25% think that there is “way too much” pressure.

Worryingly, for everyone who has the best interests of the English national team at heart, 76% of fans feel there is a possibility that the amount of pressure on the England Manager could make it difficult to attract the best candidates.

Others Should Share Responsibility

While 94% of fans endorse The FA’s decision to sack Steve McClaren - they also feel that others should shoulder the responsibility.

When asked who they would blame the most for England's failure to qualify for the European Championships, 45% of fans blame the players - only 6% less than those who blame the manager. In another indictment of the “Golden Generation”, only 35% of fans think that the players still care enough about playing for England, although the majority of fans (58%) do not feel that individual players should be booed.

81% of fans feel it was right to sack Terry Venables, but their discontent does not end in the dressing room; 67% of supporters feel that Brian Barwick, The FA Chief Executive, should take “a lot” (45%) or “full” (22%) responsibility for England's failure to qualify for the European Championships. The majority of supporters (54%) also feel that FA Chairman, Geoff Thompson should take a lot (40%) or full (14%) responsibility.

Nationality Not An Issue

England fans want the best person for the England Manager job, regardless of nationality, and they feel that that person is Jose Mourinho.

The results are a clear indication that the majority of fans want the best man for the job, regardless of nationality. Non-English managers picked up 70% of the total manager vote, while only 14% of fans state that the next manager ‘has to be English’.

Fans were asked who they would like to see appointed as the next England Manager from a choice of 20 of the bookies’ favourite candidates on the day Steve McClaren was sacked.

Jose Mourinho emerges as the clear favourite among England fans as the man they want to succeed Steve McClaren. The “Special One” polled 36% of the vote, and in doing so received over four times as many votes as the two next best placed managers - Martin O’Neill and Harry Redknapp - both on 8% each.

Club & Country

The club v country debate is often central to discussions about the national side. While fans are most loyal to their clubs, they are also signalling that they want football’s decision makers to ensure that future developments in the game strike a balance between club football and the strength of the national side. When asked which is most important for them, a majority of fans 51% said their club, but 43% replied that club and country were equally important to and 6% said their country was most important.

The majority of fans aren’t too concerned about the effect the number of club games played has on the English National side (57% of think that the current amount of club games played has a neutral impact) however there is a significant minority of 31% who do feel that there is a negative impact.

Premier League Power

Fans are also questioning whether The FA has enough power within the game to implement the right strategy, only 14% of fans feel the balance of power between The FA and the Premier League is about right. 54% of fans feel the Premier League has too much power compared to The FA, while only 20% feel The FA has too much power.

Foreign Players

Whilst the quality of play in the Premier League may have benefited from an influx of foreign players, 59% of fans think that the current level of foreign players has a negative impact on the English National side.

Coaching System

There is a feeling that the coaching system is partly to blame for England’s failure in the Euro 2008 campaign, 76% of fans think that the English coaching system is not producing enough good English players, while 66% of fans feel that cutting the number of foreign players training through the club Academy systems would have a positive impact on the English national side.

McClaren Sacked

No surprises really. Not at all. After the Croatia game, you are either a hero or a villain. 1 goal made McClaren the Villain.

As a manager, McClaren did not do that many mistakes, at least when he did them, he had the guts to correct them. But with everything going on with the squad right now, can anyone actually save the Nation's pride?

Lets face it, the reason why McClaren was hired in the first place is because of his nationality. He's English. I know it punctures the local's ego to see a foreign coach coaching your national side especially if that sport itself is such a tradition in the nation. Imagine an Australian training the Japanese Karate team, or a Russian coaching the national Sepak Takraw team of Malaysia. Same deal.

As thing stands now, think 18 months back, was McClaren the wrong choice?

Could have big Sam done any better? Could Harry Redknapp helped? How about Pearce? McClaren's record exceeds his 'English' counterparts. Had the other English managers been elected then, the outcome would be still the same.

The not qualifying for Euro 2008 part was a total embarrassment. To the point that it doesnt matter who is coming in next, as long as he can save the team.

At a crisis like this one, I mentioned it before, and I will mention it again. When the safe choice does not work, its time to gamble. If Alan Shearer is interested, give him the job. The English game as of now is filled with predictability and routine. Its about time to change things and take a risk. I don't know Alan's coaching credentials but I believe if there is anything he can offer to the English game is motivation. Thats what they need right now anyways.

England Vs Croatia

With so many injuries and a possible change of Goalkeeper, 1 point is all England need after the weirdest week of football where the Unfairness of football gods got it right for the Universe, giving England a donno how many chances and kicking out Scotland for doing too well. Taking 6 points out of 6 against France is really something.

Another ironic moment is where, by right, England does not need to score tonight. The job is as simple as keeping a clean sheet and thats it. With injuries to Owen and Rooney, maybe this is a smart move. Why risk a partnership that would most likely not work (Crouch, Defoe, Bent, Smith??) than to let Crouch go solo up front and have a pack of midfield to feed him high balls and ensure that their defenders got the simplest of jobs.

Besides, England boast a talented midfield that consist of flair, drive, consistency, and strength. On paper, this is a good combination of doing what a midfield does best, taking the ball from the opponent and feeding it upwards(supposedly where if should belong)

After all that talk, they are going to just make it. Thats what I feel anyways.

Britains Euro dreams

Only a couple of weeks ago, it looked so likely that Northern Ireland (well geographically they are there) and Scotland have brilliant chances to make it to the Euro 2008. And England was picking up so many crucial 3-0 wins, suddenly many feel that the universe was working alright after all.

Then Spain picked up points, and David Healy can't carry the team on his own, so it was up to England and Scotland.

Well, until last night, it still looks bright for both teams. Until England lost 2-1 to Russia and Scotland lost to Georgia 2-0. Off all countries. No disrespect to Georgia, but after taking all 6 out of 6 points from France and is tipped to knock out either one of the World Cup finalist, losing to Georgia is just well, a nightmare. If Scotland does make it through what seems to be an unlikely task now, 50 years down the road, someone might just make a movie out of this.

England's fortunes were not looking good either. They might be ahead of Russia in the tables, but bear in mind, Russia has one game in hand, and could easily overtake England if they win their last 2 fixtures.

It could be a British-less competition next year.

Russia vs England

That fixture is coming up this week. After a really bad start, and a streak of 3-0 wins, one more win will ensure England's qualifications in the Euro 2008 tournament.

The reverse fixture might be won 3-0 in Wembley but going to Russia to play against a Gus Hiddink Russian side is something else. Furthermore it is going to be played on a plastic ground. This plastic ground is similar to the turf surface that some futsal courts offer. I've played on it before, and personally I think its slippery and little bits of black plastics do get into your shoes and annoy the hell out of you. I heard the Russians are going to wet the field as well, and with the freezing weather, it is going to be hard to ignore the fact that the field is something totally different from what most are used to. And I'm not even talking about ball dynamics.

The English team will be without Ashley Cole after picking up an injury in the previous match while John Terry said to return. The six forward starters should be starting once again.

I do feel England's 3-0 streak will end. They will still be favourites to win this one. My predictions, 2-1 to England. Fair result, and no one bullies or praises McClaren. Wins like these are taken for granted by the press.

Mr Robinson

Paul Robinson, the man they once said will be THE successor of David Seaman. The man they say will answer England's goalkeeping problems. The man who has great talents in front of him such as Kaboul and Michael Dawson and still concede more goals than any other keeper in the Premiership other than Steven Bywater. If Robinson plays for Derby it could be worse.

Butter fingers Robinson is far from what he is supposed to be. England's no.1. The country have so many goalkeeping prospects with the like of Kirkland, Carson, Ben Foster, and the aging David James pushing for that no.1 spot.


Do you remember this own goal in Croatia?

Personally I think its time for Scott Carson to be the first choice keeper for England. This young lad has done enough to prove that he's ready for the big games. Robinson is a has been even at his age.

"Hahaha!" said McClaren

So England won, and France took points home.

The English pattern of qualification continues. Everytime England are in the qualifiers, they get a reasonable draw, fail to beat the "smaller" opponents, screw up, injury strikes, media attacks the manager like crazy, Club vs Country issue, and everyone is betting on them not making through.

In the end, somehow, they qualify, start off well and don't win the tournament.

Sounds too familiar in the modern world no?

Now with the team and fans starting to believe their chances, Russia is coming up on Wednesday. Reality check, Israel is no Russia. But at the end of the day, I do believe that Russia is just another obstacle.

England's Euro Qualifiers

With so many injuries to the first team, its going to be a new look for the double header coming up.

Honestly, in the Friendly against Germany a few weeks back, McClaren should have done what Sven did the last time. Experiment with potential players. Its a bloody friendly, make it meaningful by separating the 1 cap players with players that can win games.

I don't know how the training went, but this is the squad England should play against Israel.

Its time to change Robinson. He is no longer the Robinson we use to believe that can replace Seaman. He deserves to be in the squad no doubt, but its time to give Scott Carson a chance to play in goal.

In defense, I believe a Micah Richards, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole will do. Maybe Nick Shorey, but anyone else should not start a competitive game just yet.

The midfield is where it starts to get interesting. We have Beckham, Lampard injured, and Gerrard not in a condition to play as of now. I hope McClaren is smart enough to either not play gerrard or give him nothing more than 45 minutes. I know McClaren would like to play with a flat four, but with the injuries going on, what I would do is play a double left wing position. Best part is, its never done before.

I'm talking about Shaun Wright Phillips taking right, Carrick Centre, Gareth Barry a central role, but free to roam in the left, and a Ashley young running the upper part of the wing. Imagine this, the pace of Ashley Young, supported by Barry and Cole, we've never seen it before and its a good time to try. Hit Israel with something they didn't prepare for. Run the wing deeper.

In attack, I believe Michael Owen should start, and with Crouch Suspended, I hope Heskey starts next to him. He's no goal scoring striker, but no doubt a strong teammate. If things don't work out, throw Defoe of Smith later, or maybe pull Young forward.

I just realize Ashley Young and Ashley Cole share the same first name.

Haha, on paper this should be easy, but its never that simple. To save his job, McClaren should gamble. Its time to do so.