lookupsport

Euro 2008 drew to a close last night with for once the right result.  All too often the team which plays the most attractive football, is the one that ends up conceding late on and ultimately losing.  Last night though, Spain ran the Germans ragged from beginning to end and could easily have won by 3 or 4.  In fact, if on reflection they have any concerns over their performance, then it might be just that.  Despite their domination they only hit the net once and that could prove costly against better sides.  For now though they can bask in the glory and deservedly so.

I half expected the match to be a fairly dour affair, but to give the Spanish team credit, they played the same way they have all tournament, and in a way we can only wish England could mirror one day.  It’s fair to say I’ve enjoyed watching the last few games much more than I thought I would, given the lack of Home Nations competing.

Germany, who really didn’t deserve to be there anyway, having under performed against Turkey, were no better against Spain, and the pace of Torres scared them to death.  According to the pundits and people in the “know” they are the worst German team for years.  However, lets not forget that they still managed to make the Championships and even the final - so what does that say about England I wonder?

I don’t expect to see England play the kind of free flowing football that Spain played - if you look at Arsenal, who are the only side to play with the same fluidity in the Premiership, they only have English player in the team and he barely gets any pitch time.

As Capello has already said, its not the English way of playing and you are really trying to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear by trying to get them to play that way.  However, I do see us being able to play our own variation of that game.  Let’s not kid ourselves we will have a squad of players who are all so comfortable on the ball, but we do have a core of players that can play that game.

I see us with a side built on a strong defence, and a midfield that can match teams like the Spanish.  The best side in the Premiership and European Champions is Manchester United and they have a  core of English/British players.  Combined with the top English players from Chelsea and Liverpool, with a few others thrown in from the smaller clubs for good measure, we should being able to field a side capable of beating any international side on their day - and by playing attractive attacking football.  All that’s required is the right combination and system, which is easier said then done.  But that’s why Mr Capello is paid so much - lets hope he can do it, and we don’t have to sit through another major Championship without England competing.