Whatever detractors of international football say, it’s undeniable that competitions like the 2012 European Championships give football fans a chance to take a break from their partisan loyalties and join as one to support their respective nations.
England fans would have been hoping that the Three Lions could pull up their socks after a disappointing World Cup campaign in South Africa, and in that respect, they would have been pleased to see that Fabio Capello has certainly given some thought to rectify the mistakes previously made.
Of course, it’s still too early to tell if England have really recovered from their South African debacle, but the growing partnership between Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney is looking very promising for England.
Playing Rooney as a support striker, commonly known as playing in “the hole” behind Defoe was a master-stroke from the Italian tactician. It gave him greater influence for England, and frankly, I’ve always thought that he normally ended up drifting into that position anyway.
You see, it’s part of his natural game, wanting to be involved with or without the ball, so Capello might as well leave an out-and-out goal-poacher like Defoe playing off Rooney for maximum effect.
If Defoe can find some measure of consistency and work out quickly how Rooney needs him to play, England could have a potent strike partnership that will be invaluable in 2012.
One thing that Capello will have to get the knack of, and quickly, is the subtle differences in managing a national side during qualifying compared to when his side plays in the competition proper.
Qualifying–stages are always a different kettle of fish when compared to the competition itself, but all the top footballing nations do well in both consistently!
There’s a lot less pressure in qualifying, and teams are a lot weaker as a result of the competition’s regional draws, and the problem for England is that playing sides like these don’t reflect accurately the ability of the squad when it comes against the big boys.
Another furrow on Capello’s brow will be from the revelations about Rooney’s personal life that erupted during the course of week.
I don’t want to go too much into a player’s personal life, but obviously it’s a very silly thing he’s done! To be fair to the lad, he does live a very high-profile lifestyle, and it’s a lot harder than it looks for both players and their family members.
Fortunately for him, he’s at the right club where he’ll have his mind put back on track quickly. Sir Alex Ferguson is as experienced as any manager can get, and he won’t be surprised one bit with the latest turn of events, given this whole saga has been playing on for quite a bit under the radar.
You can certainly expect the Scot to ensure that there’ll be no let up in Rooney’s performances, so Manchester United fans should rest easy!
Former Liverpool and England International Steve McMahon is a football expert with ESPN’s Monday Night Verdict at 8 p.m.
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