For many Premier League footballers today marks the start of pre-season, the painful few weeks where the brief excesses of their holidays come back to haunt them as running, drills and fitness tests await. However, for the England Under-21 side last season has yet to finish, the latest sign of the all year-round nature of the modern football calendar. I doubt you will hear many dissenting voices among Stuart Pearce’s young charges though as their final game of the 2008/09 season is the European Under-21 Championship final against, who else, but Germany.
It is perhaps fitting that after finally banishing one big tournament hoodoo – the semi-final penalty shoot-out – another arch nemesis lies in wait in the final. They have already met in the Championships of course, when a much changed England side earned a 1-1 draw thanks to Jack Rodwell’s header. Expect a different team to take to the field in the final, though England will be hurt by the suspensions of Gabriel Agbonlahor, Fraizer Campbell and Joe Hart.
The opposition has certainly added more spark to the occasion and to kick off the mind games ahead of kick-off Germany have chosen to wear their red away strip despite being designated as the home team – we all know what happened the last time England wore red against Germany in a major final.
Boss Pearce has remained focused throughout, refusing to get carried away with England’s progression, something we are all guilty of when watching England compete in major tournaments. He barely celebrated when victory was sealed against Sweden; instead he switched his attentions immediately to Monday’s clash with the old enemy. Perhaps spurred on by his previous encounters – and eventual defeats – against Germany, Pearce’s level of focus should ensure his young charges do not get carried away with themselves. Maybe the shock of conceding a 3-0 lead in the semi-final gave them a stern reminder not to take anything for granted.
England have blown hot and cold in this tournament, ranging from the superb to the sloppy. They know what they will get against Germany: organisation, aggression and no little skill, but if England perform like we know they can there is no reason why they cannot go on and claim the trophy for the third time in their history, bringing their long 2008/09 campaign to a successful conclusion.
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Showing posts with label Under 21s. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Under 21s. Show all posts
Monday, 29 June 2009
Monday, 15 June 2009
England under-21s ready for challenge
While their senior colleagues jet off on their holidays after a job well done last week England’s youngsters are in Sweden preparing for the Under-21 European Championship.
There seems to be more interest in the competition this year, I think partly down to the brave effort of the side in the last European Championships two years ago.
Then, after an gruelling match with hosts and eventual winners Holland, Stuart Pearce’s side took part in one of the most epic penalty shootouts I have ever seen. The sight of an injured Steven Taylor limping up to the spot and burying his penalty I brought back visions of Stuart Pearce against Spain in Euro 96. But sadly for me and England Anton Ferdinand’s miss brought back memories of Chris Waddle in 1990 and the side crashed out agonisingly 13-12 on penalties.
The side may have changed since then but it is still packed full of talent determined to erase the memories of that night. Micah Richards, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Theo Walcott have all had senior caps while James Milner is the most experienced England Under-21 players of all time with 42 caps. Kieran Gibbs came on leaps and bounds to wards the end of the season, finishing he year as first choice left back for Arsenal while Jack Rodwell at Everton has been labelled the next Rio Ferdinand.
They have a tough group with Finland, Germany and Spain all waiting, but I see no reason why they can’t progress in the tournament. Experiences of big matches is vital to these players development – manager Stuart Pearce has already suggested that if the team is to win it they will have to win on penalties somewhere down the line. How we could do with a penalty shoot-out win given our past experiences!
Many of the players will also have their eye on a place in the squad for next years World Cup. This is their chance to show they can perform at the highest level and deserve a place on the plane to South Africa next year whatever their age. If the player can use that motivation and perform as we all know they can, I think they can go all the way.
There seems to be more interest in the competition this year, I think partly down to the brave effort of the side in the last European Championships two years ago.
Then, after an gruelling match with hosts and eventual winners Holland, Stuart Pearce’s side took part in one of the most epic penalty shootouts I have ever seen. The sight of an injured Steven Taylor limping up to the spot and burying his penalty I brought back visions of Stuart Pearce against Spain in Euro 96. But sadly for me and England Anton Ferdinand’s miss brought back memories of Chris Waddle in 1990 and the side crashed out agonisingly 13-12 on penalties.
The side may have changed since then but it is still packed full of talent determined to erase the memories of that night. Micah Richards, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Theo Walcott have all had senior caps while James Milner is the most experienced England Under-21 players of all time with 42 caps. Kieran Gibbs came on leaps and bounds to wards the end of the season, finishing he year as first choice left back for Arsenal while Jack Rodwell at Everton has been labelled the next Rio Ferdinand.
They have a tough group with Finland, Germany and Spain all waiting, but I see no reason why they can’t progress in the tournament. Experiences of big matches is vital to these players development – manager Stuart Pearce has already suggested that if the team is to win it they will have to win on penalties somewhere down the line. How we could do with a penalty shoot-out win given our past experiences!
Many of the players will also have their eye on a place in the squad for next years World Cup. This is their chance to show they can perform at the highest level and deserve a place on the plane to South Africa next year whatever their age. If the player can use that motivation and perform as we all know they can, I think they can go all the way.
Monday, 26 January 2009
Uncapped wonders - Ones for the future
2008 was a successfull year for England under Fabio Capello. From EURO 2008 failures to top of their qualification group, people are now tempted to put a bet on England to win the World Cup!
England’s first game of 2009 will be in Spain on the 11th February. It will be a further chance for Capello to experiment with his squad and perhaps take a look at some of England’s younger players with one eye on South Africa 2010.
With that in mind Tom Mallows takes a look at some uncapped youngsters whose recent performances may have forced themselves into Capello’s thoughts.....
Leighton Baines
An attacking full-back, Baines’ form at Wigan earned him a big money move to Everton in 2007. But he struggled in his early Everton career and soon found himself out of the team. However he has found himself back into contention recently and has played his part in Everton’s defensive resurgence.
Fabian Delph
The Bradford born youngster has established himself in the Leeds team this season and has earned a reputation as a creative attacking midfielder with an eye for goal. He has already been linked with a move to the Premier League and the football odds suggest he will eventually make a big money transfer. Capello may want to have a closer look at him.
Michael Mancienne
The Chelsea youngster’s form while on loan to Wolves earned him a call up to Capello’s squad for the friendly in Germany last year. He has since been recalled by the Londoners and if he can match his form for Wolves for his parent club, a first cap will not be far away.
Lee Cattermole
A regular for the under 21s he has played a key role in Wigan’s surge up the Premier League table since signing from Middlesbrough last sumer summer. England is blessed with central midfielders though so he may have to be patient and wait for his chance.
James Milner
Is this the year Milner finally gets that first cap? Since making his Leeds debut aged 16 Milner has racked up over 200 first team appearances and is England Under-21s most capped player. Named by Fabio Capello as one for the future and in sparkling form for high flying Aston Villa, he is almost certain of a call-up next month.
Steven Taylor
Newcastle defender Taylor has remained a consistent and loyal figure in the Magpies team despite their slide down the Premier League table. He captained the Under 21 side at the European Chaminships in 2007 and has made an appearance for the England B team. He can’t be far away from a full call up - Newcastle fans will hope he is still a Magpies player when he does get the nod.
Jamie O’Hara
Spurs midfielder O’Hara only made his Under 21 debut early last year but he has since become a regular in the both the Under 21 side and the Spurs squad ever since. As well as central midfield O’Hara can play at left back or left midfield - His versatility may tempt Capello to call him up.
Do you agree with Tom? Who else should be in Capello's squad? Please leave your comments below.
England’s first game of 2009 will be in Spain on the 11th February. It will be a further chance for Capello to experiment with his squad and perhaps take a look at some of England’s younger players with one eye on South Africa 2010.
With that in mind Tom Mallows takes a look at some uncapped youngsters whose recent performances may have forced themselves into Capello’s thoughts.....
Leighton Baines
An attacking full-back, Baines’ form at Wigan earned him a big money move to Everton in 2007. But he struggled in his early Everton career and soon found himself out of the team. However he has found himself back into contention recently and has played his part in Everton’s defensive resurgence.
Fabian Delph
The Bradford born youngster has established himself in the Leeds team this season and has earned a reputation as a creative attacking midfielder with an eye for goal. He has already been linked with a move to the Premier League and the football odds suggest he will eventually make a big money transfer. Capello may want to have a closer look at him.
Michael Mancienne
The Chelsea youngster’s form while on loan to Wolves earned him a call up to Capello’s squad for the friendly in Germany last year. He has since been recalled by the Londoners and if he can match his form for Wolves for his parent club, a first cap will not be far away.
Lee Cattermole
A regular for the under 21s he has played a key role in Wigan’s surge up the Premier League table since signing from Middlesbrough last sumer summer. England is blessed with central midfielders though so he may have to be patient and wait for his chance.
James Milner
Is this the year Milner finally gets that first cap? Since making his Leeds debut aged 16 Milner has racked up over 200 first team appearances and is England Under-21s most capped player. Named by Fabio Capello as one for the future and in sparkling form for high flying Aston Villa, he is almost certain of a call-up next month.
Steven Taylor
Newcastle defender Taylor has remained a consistent and loyal figure in the Magpies team despite their slide down the Premier League table. He captained the Under 21 side at the European Chaminships in 2007 and has made an appearance for the England B team. He can’t be far away from a full call up - Newcastle fans will hope he is still a Magpies player when he does get the nod.
Jamie O’Hara
Spurs midfielder O’Hara only made his Under 21 debut early last year but he has since become a regular in the both the Under 21 side and the Spurs squad ever since. As well as central midfield O’Hara can play at left back or left midfield - His versatility may tempt Capello to call him up.
Do you agree with Tom? Who else should be in Capello's squad? Please leave your comments below.
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