England Further Away from the Prizes Than Ever

It is now just over 41 years since England had its finest footballing hour when we won the World Cup. Now in 2007, and with only two losing semi final appearances in all competitions, we find ourselves further than ever from being able to make realistic bids to win any tournament.

In 1974 when we failed to qualify for the World Cup, and with the subsequent failure to qualify for the '76 Euros and '78 World Cup, many reasons were put forward to explain England's failings:

1. Lack of appropriate coaching at grass roots and other levels
2. Poor 'technique'. Yes this was the moment when that term became standard excuse-speak in footballing pundit circles
3. Too many non-English players. Don Revie, when England Manager, was quoted as saying that his effective pool of players available for selection numbered 54 only!

Surprise! Surprise! These exact same issues are still put forward today. But now add to that:

1. Even less English players available (with Scottish, Irish and Welsh players being replaced by everyone on the planet). And many of those that are available are, or have been bit-part squad players - Joe Cole, Steve Sidwell, Peter Crouch, Sean Wright-Phillips, Glen Johnson, Scott Parker, Jermaine Pennant.
2. Less kudos associated with appearing for your country. Look at the early retirements of players such as Scholes, Bergkamp, Carragher, Shearer. Take the example of Frank Lampard's early 'taxi' home (actually a hired private jet) from the England squad after being dropped from the first team.
3. The diminishing authority and effectiveness of the FA. It is interesting that in 1958, a post Munich Manchester United team released Bobby Charlton for an England friendly tour rather than playing him in a European Cup semi final.
4. The fewer number of pupils playing football in schools coupled with lack of facilities.
5. The continuing absence of a policy on youth development as illustrated by the demise of the FA school of excellence after years of debate over its requirement in the first place.

We're not saying anything here that hasn't already been written and discussed at great length elsewhere. But the underlying point is this. For the generation that grew out of the post-war optimism of 1966, it was still a Britain of empire that was accustomed to being the best at what it set its mind to. That included football. The tragedy is that, in 1974, we still clung to the hope that English football would get to the bottom of its problems, sort them out and move on to another victory.

But in 2007, those who can remember those days, now find themselves not only contemplating the possibility of never seeing it happen again in their lifetime, but that of England moving even further away from ever achieving it. Yet, there have never been more financial resources available to the powers that run the game to address this problem. However, when you read Sir Trevor Brooking's pessimistic view of the future for the development of young players via the club academy system, it doesn't appear that the FA have either the will or the competence to do anything about it.

If, unlike the British Empire, football should survive another 1000 years, we have to contemplate the fact that 1966 was, and will remain, it's finest hour. If it is not, then it really will owe so much to so few!

Reclaim the Game - The week's Events

• Well done to the Football Supporters Federation on finally persuading the government to reconsider the reintroduction of terracing (safe standing). Though a black mark for them for not updating their website at time of writing. The majority of those who back the campaign appear to believe that this will mean cheaper prices and a return to good atmospheres in grounds. Sadly we believe neither will actually be achieved. In the short-term, the most likely outcome is that we'll end up paying £40 plus to stand at a game. In addition, most club owners seem reluctant to reconvert seating areas they paid to have installed already. It's good that a body has managed to sway government opinion on behalf of the football supporter. But as we have already stated, decisions made by people who run football clubs tend to be made for their own benefit, not those of suporters.
• Alan Hansen's appearance. Now a beard? The mystery deepens.
• Predictions are rife. Will England beat Israel and Russia in their forthcoming "must-win" games? Do you want our prediciton? Well let's just say, we don't think you should book your flight to Austria or Switzerland next year.