The sight of Everton defender Phil Jagielka tucking away the winning penalty at Wembley was significant, not just for Everton’s FA Cup fortunes, but for what happened at Goodison Park 13 months before.
Back in March 2008 Everton had just played out of their skin against Italian side Fiorentina, but unable to grab the third goal that would secure a 3-2 aggregate win, the game had to be decided on penalties.
Up stepped Jagielka, who had performed immensely again on the night, but the keeper guessed the right way and palmed away the defender's effort. Everton were out and Jagielka faced the long walk back to the halfway line.
That moment must have played on his mind as he walked towards Ben Foster’s goal at Wembley on Sunday. He knew that if he scored his side would triumph, but John Terry also knew that in Moscow and we all know what happened there.
So, the fact Jagielka tucked it away with aplomb proves he has the mental strength to go with undoubted abilities as an international centre-half - which is definitely a boost for Fabio Capello.
He doesn’t make the same mistake twice. Back in December he played a back pass blind towards Tim Howard and failed to spot Ashley Young closing in, the Villa winger tucked the ball home and Jagielka once again wanted the ground to swallow him up.
It’s the sort of mistake that would shatter many players' confidence, but the Everton man responded by performing even better, leading, of course, to an England call-up in February. It is a shame therefore that many people blame Jagielka for the defeat in Spain, when his mistake led to the first goal. Again, it is a moment that can affect a player’s mental strength and confidence, but once again Jagielka retuned to his club and maintained his excellent level of form.
That didn’t go unnoticed by Fabio Capello, who gave him a massive vote of confidence by bringing him on as a late sub against the Ukraine a few weeks ago. The international stage is a tough arena to play in, you can have all the talent in the world but it is worth nothing if you crack under the pressure. I just need to mention the words penalty ‘shoot-out’ to any England fan to prove that.
Jagielka booked a return date to Wembley with his club side on Sunday, and banished the ghosts of Fiorentina to boot. If he continues to show such mental strength and character, it's my football prediction that he will be returning to Wembley a lot more with the three lions.
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Monday, 20 April 2009
Monday, 6 April 2009
Show of character bodes well for England future
So, as the dust settles on another successful international break we can at least take a tentative look forward to a summer in South Africa.
Reaching the half-way stage of World Cup qualifying with a 100% record is outstanding; especially given most of the games have been away. Home games against Andorra and Belarus should yield three points, while the long trip to Kazakhstan should be fruitful. This means we could afford to lose against Ukraine and Croatia and still qualify.
It is that breathing space that should allow the team to play with more freedom and express themselves. It is when the shackles are lifted like this that players like Rooney and Gerrard come into their own. Rooney in particular was outstanding against Ukraine, and his presence in the team is vital to future success.
What pleased me the most was the character shown by the side after conceding the equaliser. Instead of panicking or losing focus, the team stirred back into action, no more so than captain John Terry, another player who will be central to any success we have in the future. The midfield finally looks to be working, with Gerrard’s license to cut inside from the left giving him more potency, especially when linking up with Rooney.
The only position I am not sure of yet is the goalkeeper. I have to admit I have never been a big fan of David James. He has talent, yes, but he will always make a mistake every now and then and I fear if he keeps playing he will make one at a crucial stage and cost us.
The fact he is unchallenged for the number one spot says something about our goalkeeping situation. Ben Foster looks the most likely to push James at the moment, but with Capello favouring players who are playing regularly for their clubs (just ask Michael Owen) will Foster have to move on to improve his England chances?
The goalkeeping conundrum apart, the team is looking more settled and confident than it has done in several years. I won’t get too excited, I have learnt not to supporting England over the years and making any unrealistic football predictions could be dangerous. But their recent performances, and ability to cope with injuries and adversity, bodes very well for the future.
Reaching the half-way stage of World Cup qualifying with a 100% record is outstanding; especially given most of the games have been away. Home games against Andorra and Belarus should yield three points, while the long trip to Kazakhstan should be fruitful. This means we could afford to lose against Ukraine and Croatia and still qualify.
It is that breathing space that should allow the team to play with more freedom and express themselves. It is when the shackles are lifted like this that players like Rooney and Gerrard come into their own. Rooney in particular was outstanding against Ukraine, and his presence in the team is vital to future success.
What pleased me the most was the character shown by the side after conceding the equaliser. Instead of panicking or losing focus, the team stirred back into action, no more so than captain John Terry, another player who will be central to any success we have in the future. The midfield finally looks to be working, with Gerrard’s license to cut inside from the left giving him more potency, especially when linking up with Rooney.
The only position I am not sure of yet is the goalkeeper. I have to admit I have never been a big fan of David James. He has talent, yes, but he will always make a mistake every now and then and I fear if he keeps playing he will make one at a crucial stage and cost us.
The fact he is unchallenged for the number one spot says something about our goalkeeping situation. Ben Foster looks the most likely to push James at the moment, but with Capello favouring players who are playing regularly for their clubs (just ask Michael Owen) will Foster have to move on to improve his England chances?
The goalkeeping conundrum apart, the team is looking more settled and confident than it has done in several years. I won’t get too excited, I have learnt not to supporting England over the years and making any unrealistic football predictions could be dangerous. But their recent performances, and ability to cope with injuries and adversity, bodes very well for the future.
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
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