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Passion Over Skill
A world cup year is like no other, and rightly so. Sure the Olympians and their sporting battles coming around every four years is important too, but nothing binds countries together more so than their national football team doing well in the ultimate of team sport competition.
Young domestic football players began this season by playing out of their skins, trying to secure the adulation of Mr. Capello. Is it really just a coincidence that this season's premiership campaign has been so memorable and will be going right down to the wire? The past three seasons other teams have flaked early as the mighty Manchester United have steam rolled ahead; but not this campaign. This is a World Cup year!
Taking the Jersey for Granted
The "shoe-ins" for the team, have oddly had a weaker season, perhaps knowing or taking for granted that the England jersey is theirs. Perhaps their star power has gone to their heads? Other than Wayne Rooney, the likes of John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, and to a certain extent Stevie Gerrard have not been at their best, while their understudies have set games alight.
James Milner, Ashley Young (see right), Stewart Downing have all played very well, all hungry for that trip to South Africa, and that is just the Aston Villa players. Mr. Capello has publicly said he will take players that are playing well for their teams. Though when push comes to shove will he still go for experience and star power instead of form and passion?
Although Gerrard and Lampard excel at their domestic clubs, neither have played half as good for England, whilst some players like Peter Crouch seem to play better for country then club. In the strange topsy turvy world of international football, Mr. Capello should pick those with the most desire, not skill level.
Not picking young enthused blood will just mean the same experienced players will grow to expect their jerseys despite how well they played this season. Their motivation will inevitably wane if they think they are invincible. Current captain Rio Ferdinand and defensive sparring partner John Terry have not had great seasons, but has the England boss really got the bottle to go with form and youth?
Adverts as Education
I think the best thing for Mr. Capello to do before he picks his initial 30 man squad is to watch the recent Sony TV advertisement over and over and over. For those that have not seen this delightful video, it consists of young boys playing ball in dusty streets, whilst dreaming of taking centre stage at the World Cup Finals.
Inspired and beautifully shot, the young boys play with heart, gusto, pride and passion. Those are the traits that Mr. Capello must look for when picking his squad. For it is quality over skill that will win us the world Cup and bind this country together like never before.
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Written by Adam Goldstein
Read his blog at www.thetailgateknight.com
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