England U-21’s dire championship, who to blame? (video)

The England Under-21 side that supposedly went to the Europe U-21 Championship in Israel may well have been on a tour of the Holy Land. They return home with just the luggage they set out with, having not won even a solitary point from their three group matches.

After having their tournament effectively short-circuited by defeats to Norway and Italy, the young Lions had been expected to at least put together a face-saving display against the hosts in what was their final game. This was not to be as yet another lackadaisical shift by England saw them succumb to another 1-0 loss.

In a departure from tradition, manager Stuart Pearce lashed out at his charges, claiming that their lack of commitment to the cause cost them the game, and progression in the tourney.  Refusing to cite the absence of such important players as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who were called up for friendly games with the senior squad, Pearce lambasted his players’ attitude instead.

Whatever the cause of England’s dismal U-21 championship performance, it seems that it may have cost Pearce his job. Speculation is rife that his contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of this month.

Comments

[Rick]

I watched the games. The most evenly matched, that with Israel, highlighted what England lacked: a team. Israel may not have had any international stars, but they had practiced set pieces and had discipline in the back line, plus a couple of strikers. England just had a bunch of what we are used to: "big strong fellows who can take care of themselves". Compare the finishing skills against Israel with those shown by Italy against the same team. An entirely different world.

When will England start developing ball skills?

[Phil]

True, it seems the focus seems to be on the physical fitness of players instead of ballwork. It is a difference Fabregas pointed out on his return to Barca. Apart from Zaha, and Shelvey in flashes, few England players seemed comfortable with the ball at their feet.