Dameerto wrote:johnpb78 wrote:For the last 2 decades, we have had a team which WAS capable of going all the way. Just like Spain really, we always choke at the critical point someone does something individually stupid and we end up going out, evidence 2006 Portugal, 2002 Brazil, 1998 Argentina where individual errors of judgement cost us the opportunity to progress.
It is entirely right to expect that a collection of the world's most sought after footballers will go far in the competition, and potentially win the pot at the end of it. Media, advertising etc, bollocks, they hype it up because England on paper should do well in EVERY competition they enter.
Perhaps playing shite teams several times a year in an extended qualifying programme though gives us no real preparation for tournament football against half decent teams - one of the reasons the home nations competition is sorely missed
You really think that? I certainly believe that public expectation (which is influenced heavily by the media) has an impact on the team's performance. I'd personally like to see them become hermits during tournaments, away from the press and trwaining behind closed doors. Let a press officer handle the conferences and read out the occasional written statement from the coach or one or two players.
There is no reason whatsoever that the squads we have brought to world cups over the last 20 years could not have won it. In the Euros we have largely been shit, but in the world cup we have largely been unlucky or been subject to huge individual errors of judgement.
Yes the media hype it, but we have always had the required quality to be a contender, and to win the world cup you will always need a bit of luck, something we never have had.
1986, robbed by Maradona, gave Argentina the impetus
1990, semi finals
1998, 2nd round - perfectly good goal disallowed from Sol Campbell, major factor in early exit was Beckham's stupid sending off. (who would also have taken and scored a penalty) We had a rock solid defence, a good midfield and Shearer, Sheringham, Owen up front.
2002, quarter finals - had the beating of Brazil until David Seaman went to sleep. Manager compunded the mistake for the equaliser by trying to defend at 1-1 for extra time & penalties
2006, quarter finals - again no reason not to have beaten Portugal who were very average until that silly cunt got sent off for the stamp.