The New England Revolution

Well, today has certainly been busy in the world of football. Roy Hodgson has both named his squad to face Norway and Switzerland for the upcoming fixtures, and handed Wayne Rooney the Three Lions armband in the same breath. Along with that, the Champions League Group Stage draw is underway as I type. Liverpool have just been paired with Real Madrid - "Tasty" as Daniel Sturridge has just put it on Twitter.

Hodgson’s selections have been general met with discontent, with neither his choice in captain, or his young squad selection, finding much enthusiasm from England supporters. A record low attendance is expected at Wembley for the friendly against Norway.

But should it be that way? With the retirements departures of messrs Gerrard and Lampard - not to mention Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry in recent years, the England squad has been left painfully thin in the way of experienced on-field leaders. 

Could Roy have realistically opted for anybody other than Wayne Rooney? What were his real options? Let’s take a look..

Joe Hart

The idea of a keeper leading the team out is something that sits uneasy with many footballing people. There have been many iconic keepers throughout time to successfully captain their sides - just look at Gigi Buffon and “Pre-José” Iker Casillas for two shining modern examples.

Hart clearly plays with passion, albeit sometimes allowing his emotions to get the better of him. Despite his No. 1 jersey coming under pressure last season at Manchester City (with a few dodgy TV commercials in the processes), Hart has now experienced two major tournaments with both England and manager Roy Hodgson, giving at least a decent account of himself both in Poland/Ukraine and Brazil. 

During the same period of time, he has won everything you can do, in terms of top-end domestic football in England, including the Premier League twice - taking the competitions “Golden Glove” for three of the last four campaigns.

At age 27, Hart already has enough experience under his belt and has a possible ten or so years left in his career - with many keepers staying on for international duty until they hang up their boots for good. You could even argue that he still hasn’t hit the peak of his goalkeeping career.

Had Joe Hart been picked, he could have provided a stable base for at least the next four major international tournaments from which Hodgson, and any subsequent England managers, could have built this new young team. 

However, when it’s the 85th minute and you are 2-1 down against France, who do you look to drag you kicking and screaming through the shit to urge and inspire his team on? 

Not your keeper, that’s for sure. 

The luxury that modern day Italy and Spain have had in recent years has been in having leaders all over the pitch - willing to do that job as second nature - allowing the goalkeeper to be the perfect figurehead of absolute calmness amidst the chaos. England, as we have been starkly reminded today, do not have that luxury. 

Theoretically, players representing their country should not need their captain to be the driving force that they sometimes can be at club level, but this will no doubt play a large part in the thought process of many when discounting Joe Hart.

Gary Cahill

In Gary Cahill, England have probably one of the world’s most on form defenders over the last couple of seasons, forming an enviable partnership with John Terry. At 28, Cahill is also the same age as new captain, Wazza.

Despite being relatively new to the sharp end of the game (Cahill only joined Chelsea from Bolton in 2012, lifting the Champions League trophy in his first season at the club), Cahill has become an integral cog in the England machine. Under the tutelage of John Terry (arguably the man who should still be England captain himself incidentally), Cahill’s game has certainly gone up a level over the last couple of years. 

His mental game has always been one of cool composure on the field, not often allowing himself to become flustered. It would certainly have been a bold move to hand Cahill the armband, sealing his rapid rise to the top of English football, but it would have shown once again that Hodgson has the balls to make bold choices and back himself. 

Capable of crunching tackles, calmness in possession, and more than an odd goal or two; Cahill would have been the perfect fit to lead the young exciting squad that Hodgson is clearly trying to mould. 

In order to have secured the backing from Hodgson for his captaincy bid, Cahill's performances would have needed to have been supreme. Did his performance in Brazil really stand out so much so that he warrants getting the nod over Wayne Rooney? Perhaps not.

Wayne Rooney

For all Wayne Rooney’s positives points, this decision is quite evidently one that not all fans are happy about. And it’s easy to see why. Rooney is the personification of everything that many people detest about the modern footballer. 

He’s had numerous scandals, both on and off the pitch, and has a terrible temperament at times; picking up a red card for England prior to the Euro 2012 tournament, in a mindless action that meant he missed the first two games of the group stage. He has been caught smoking and partying in the earlier hours of the Manchester night and has, on more than one occasion threatened to leave Manchester United, in an attempt to leverage a new multi-million pound contract - much to the disgust of Sir Alex Ferguson. These actions have safely ensured that Rooney will never be held in the same regard as Best, Charlton, Law, Cantona, Robson, Ronaldo et. al. 

Rooney will never be considered amongst these immortals who’s names are still sang out with love in the Stretford End.

But he works his bollocks off.

On the pitch, there is absolutely no questioning Wayne Rooney’s work rate. He is, in this sense, a shining example of the kind of effort and devotion that is required of an England captain. It has most certainly been a tough couple of seasons for Rooney, with the changing formations of recent times making a traditional No. 10 a difficult fit into the system - something very evident in Brazil. With the coming of RVP to United, he is no longer the main front man - and at the minute they both look to be very much on a sinking ship.

LVG made Rooney Manchester United captain at the start
of the season.

Van Gaal has come into United as the supposed saviour of the club and has in the process, named Wayne Rooney his captain, which might have come as a bit of a nasty surprise to Robin van Persie, who many tipped to be given the honour. However, with their form diabolical in times of late and a mass transitional phase in the offing, Rooney could cut a frustrated figure at Old Trafford for the next few years - if indeed he stays put. Either way, it will certainly be a test of his temperament and maturity.

Rooney has appeared more and more in front of the camera in recent times, becoming the spokesman for the national squad on more than one occasion. He clearly cares deeply about the England side, famously blasting boo-ing fans on TV after the final whistle in Cape Town, following a flat display in a 0-0 against Algeria. 

He is clearly the most experienced man in the side, and in this sense you have to agree with Roy Hodgson that Rooney is indeed “the obvious choice”. During the World Cup in Brazil you could argue that he was barely deserving of his starting slot, and many did - however, this could be put down to the system that Hodgson employed, with Rooney starting out wide on the left flank. 

One thing all England fans will agree on, is that Rooney must now take his game to the next level, both on and off the field, regardless of the position he starts in, if he is to prove himself worthy of  the same title as former legendary England leaders.

It is clear to see why Hodgson has picked Rooney; he is the safe choice. But is he the right one? Time will tell. Hodgson clearly thinks that handing this degree of responsibility, and honour, to Rooney will have a similar effect that it has had elsewhere on some of the world's best strikers, whose international form, like Rooney's, has come under intense criticism. The promotion to captaincy has elevated the performances of Leo Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent years. Roy will be hoping for a similar result.

Elsewhere (much) more radical choices could have come in the form of either Jordan Henderson or Jack Wilshere. 

Henderson has shown himself to be of great quality in the centre of the park in the last two major tournaments and has really made the midfield his own; outshining Gerrard comfortably in Brazil. Wilshere, on the other hand, is now likely to gain a few more minutes with Gerrard having retired. Wilshere must earn this spot however. Since bursting onto the stage as a youngster he has yet to solidify his name on the team sheet for both club and country, and this season is probably the most important of his whole career. Injuries cannot be another excuse for Jack. 

Despite this pair looking likely to be our engine-room going forward, they are both fairly unrealistic choices for the captain’s armband, and in this instance, Rooney more than deserves the call over the duo.

The one apparent fact that the instatement of Rooney as captain of both Manchester United and England leaves resonating, is that both club and country are in desperate need of depth and quality. 

The Squad

Goalkeepers; Fraser Forster (Southampton), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders; Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Calum Chambers (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Everton).

Midfielders; Jack Colback (Newcastle United), Fabian Delph (Aston Villa), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Strikers; Rickie Lambert (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

With the absence of Ross Barkley and Adam Lallana through injury, coupled with the retirement of Lamps and Gerrard, Hodgson hands four players their first England call ups; Jack Colback, Fabian Delph, Calum Chambers, and Danny Rose. It is pretty obvious that had Barkley and Lallana been available then two of these names would not have been on the sheet.

However, in a period of transition it is important that Hodgson introduces competition for positions, and in bringing in four hungry young players he has guaranteed himself men that will give everything they have in training and, given the opportunity, in a match. 

The main question is; do they have the quality? Certainly all four have started the season strongly. Colback has looked outstanding since making the switch from Sunderland to Newcastle, and Calum Chambers presents us with the first genuinely promising young centre-back since Matthew Upson - all those years ago. In Fabian Delph, England have called up Aston Villa's consistent inspirational spark through the middle of the pitch, having had to endure two years of otherwise pretty dull stuff under Paul Lambert. Danny Rose has flirted with call-ups before, but the dynamic youngster falls somewhat victim of type-cast of the modern full-back - that is to say, bags of pace and exciting going forward, but you could probably choose a better defender. I cannot see Rose inspiring us any more than Kieran Gibbs, Luke Shaw, Kyle Naughton, Kyle Walker, Glen Johnson, etc. If anything, we are inundated with average full-backs. 

PS. It is beyond me how George Friend of Middlesbrough has evaded an England call-up thus far. - he's nicknamed "RoboCop" on Teesside for goodness sake! On a serious note, I would actually keep an eye out for him. A serious piece of talent.

Otherwise the squad is not too different from the one we took to South America, save the addition of Andros Townsend, who looked sharp last season before picking up an injury.

England did not look beyond hope in Brazil. 

Baines and Jagielka were indeed found out at international level, but Cahill and Johnson (in parts) were strong. It is here that Hodgson must focus his attentions. The emergence of Calum Chambers and John Stones looks to be a potential solution to England's defensive frailties, whilst Luke Shaw will slot dutifully into left-back, more or less unchallenged. 

Moving up the pitch, England are packed with fast paced, strong tackling, and skilful young talent. A few more months of refinement will not, require too much change, but players like Jack Wilshere and indeed, the new captain are going to have to take their game to the next gear. Competition for places in the midfield and up front will hopefully keep performance high in these areas of the pitch, and leaders will of course be made in time.

One thing is for certain though; despite early career hype, it is looking fairly likely that Phil Jones will never see the England captaincy, but the outlook for England and it's young squad could be a lot brighter than it currently appears to be.

Take A Bow America

The USA certainly did not disappoint in the World Cup.

Well, the fact that they were knocked out in the second round of the World Cup was in itself disappointing, but it was disappointing for all the right reasons. The USA at this tournament won round the world with a never say die attitude and spirit that pushed theoretically superior teams to the limit and which was rewarded as such bravado often can be, with qualification out of the Group of Death.

Now it would be all to easy to dwell on the defeat against Belgium. However, the real narrative of the USA campaign has and shall remain, for the immediate future; one of potential.

Tim Howard was mighty between the sticks against Belgium,
propelling himself into the US Soccer stratosphere as a legend never to be forgotten.

Potential is a word that has been floated around about the United States and football for a while now. The past 2 decades has seen a tremendous growth in the American game that has elicited exciting responses from Americas incredibly devoted (and rapidly growing) soccer fanbase, and the more ambitious have declared that we are on the verge of the dawning of the Age of the Yank. Perhaps a tad premature, but this serves as a good example of the confidence that permeates the American psyche.

America came to the World Cup to win. Their German coach held a much more realistic opinion of their chances but even then his was the opinion of the man playing the long game, not the pessimist. Americans backed their team, and they did so in larger (and noisier) numbers than ever before. Yet the true success story was did not revolve around the support - though the ripples of that one will certainly be felt in the future. The true success story was about the players living the dream in Brazil.

Klinsmann has seemingly made great 

impressions on his young American side

The youth of America seems to relish the challenge of competing with the big boys with a passion that turned heads. DeAndre Yedlin, Omar Gonzalez, John Brooks, Timothy Chandler, Matt Besler, Fabian Johnson, Mix Diskerud, Julian Green... These are players with plenty of World Cups within them and who made big statements about themselves at the World Cup, and on the biggest stage of them all the world took notice.

One of the biggest success stories was the young Seattle Sounders star DeAndre Yedlin. Following his performances the rumours are circulating that he will secure himself a big move to a European team in the future. At the young age of 21, Yedlin has an opportunity to improve his game in a huge way. Likewise, Sporting Kansas City have also received interest in their World Cup Stars. However, what is interesting about Sporting KC is that the indication is there that the MLS club may keep hold of their stars. Europe still retains its allure, yet MLS has raised its profile in leaps and bounds. In fact in 2010, there were only 6 MLS players at the World Cup, this year there were 22, 10 of whom represented the United States. The American game is on the rise, and the future is bright.

As a footballer lover making a new life in the USA, I give my thanks to the soccer-Gods that by all indications America is going to make a huge impact in the future and that I will be able to witness it first hand. Of course, the game will always have its detractors (witness Ann Coulters much criticised rambling rant about the game) in America, but they are an ever decreasing minority. Even my fiancée's father, a man who obstinately clings to his traditional American sports with a religious zeal, like many of his generation, followed the progress of the USMNT with an interest that exceeded the casual passiveness of the past. It was a very pleasant surprise.

Following Germany's victory, my fiancée left me with a ponderous question. Supposing England and the USA made it to the next World Cup Final, who would I support? Now obviously as an Englishman the immediate reaction would be to say England. Yet, I also love the underdog, America is to be my new home, I love my fiancée and her American family, I love the team and I love the soccer culture. They have won me around to such a degree that such a choice was more difficult than I ever thought it could be, much to my inner patriots horror and much to my very own surprise. Now I did ultimately choose England, the land of my birth and where I learned to love the game, yet my decision came with some very interesting logic. Such an unlikely final, I reasoned, would possibly be the last chance England could have for a very long time to win the World Cup. Not true for the USA, who's star seems to be very much on the rise.

What surprised me was not the logic behind my decision, but how easy such logic came to me. Who knows, maybe some of that famous American confidence and optimism has rubbed off on this Brit? As an Englishman and a Middlesbrough fan, something to celebrate within the sport makes a very welcome addition into my life, and for that the USA has my thanks. A new breath of life to go alongside my new life.

I love this game, and America is learning to love it too.

USA - The Sleeping Giant Awakens?

We have a wonderfully high number of American readers here at The Lone Striker. With your exciting late winner against Ghana last week, we thought we'd give you a little treat before your next one against Ronaldo's Portugal. This is a guest article written by Jonathan Rawson, enjoy and Go USA!

"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." A poignant turn of phrase commonly attributed to the Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto following the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbour by the forces of Japan. A sentiment of dread and fear that was to prove quite prescient for the sleeping giant, once woken from its slumber, became an unstoppable juggernaut that would claim its place as the strongest country in the world.

In the context of the Beautiful Game, this statement may yet be applicable to the USA.

For Europeans like me, who have grown up on a steady diet of Football permeating every aspect of our lives, the USA had always been an easy source of ridicule when it comes to this game that we love. For example, Major League Soccer, the premier club competition in the United States, was always treated with either indifference or outright mockery. 

The United States' starting XI for their World Cup 2014 opener, against Ghana.

A fair attitude? Not really, but then we have always looked upon our trans-Atlantic cousins with scorn for the sheer audacity to not love the game like we do. It comes easy for us to dismiss their achievements and history in the game partly because in a world that is so dominated by the great hegemonic superpower, this is one part of it that remains elusive to them. The narrative has always been that Americans don’t care about football, that they just don’t get the game and this is their loss.

The reality, as partly shown by the victory against Ghana, is that the USA is a country on the ascendancy in the game. It is far too easy to make grand, sweeping statements like Admiral Yamamoto following a victory and indeed, the mood following the victory within US soccer circles is a very jubilant one. Over this past year I have been able to witness first hand that my "Eurosnobbery" (a term coined by football enthusiasts in the USA) had no basis in reality. Watching the game last night, the narrative seems to have evolved. Where once the USA would be outright dismissed as contenders, there seems to be a new script; one that talks about a “football explosion” in the country. This is a half-truth that doesn’t take into account the full picture...

The full picture is a long one. The rise of the sport in the country is actually building upon a long history of football within the USA. That the pace of development has suddenly shifted into overdrive over the past few decades is not standalone phenomenon, but rather the culmination of a long and coloured past that has been built upon the labour of enthusiasts that outright refused to let the sport die in their country. As the victory over Ghana shows, the USA is a country of dogged determination and tenacity that never gives up and refuses to say die. It is this attitude that kept the sport alive in the country through its various setbacks throughout history.

It may be hard to believe, but football was actually the second most popular sport in the USA in the 20’s, behind only Major League Baseball, and was growing ever stronger. What proved to be its fatal blow was the emergence of the “Soccer Wars” between the United States Football Association and the American Soccer League which crippled the sport as a united entity which caused its financial collapse during the Great Depression. With the folding of the ASL, the sport went into a decline that led to a USA team going from a 3rd place finish in the 1930 World Cup to a disunited and struggling team.

However, the sport survived by retreating to local hotbeds. Without a national league football became a decentralised sport, with various “forts” around the nation keeping the game alive. The most famous of these is the city of St Louis - birthplace of five of the starting eleven players who delivered the famous 1-0 defeat of England in the 1950 World Cup. 

Landon Donovan - the legendary American talisman was
surprisingly left out of the World Cup squad by coach Jürgen Klinsmann

Eventually, a national league re-emerged within the USA, in the form of the North American Soccer League in 1968. This league received a tremendous boost in popularity when the New York Cosmos signed Pele in 1975 - which was only the start of high profile big names such as Beckenbauer and Carlos Alberta moving stateside. The US fell in love with the game again, and at its peak the NASL was drawing crowds of over 70,000. However, explosive growth is meaningless without long term stability to serve as its foundation, and the NASL peaked too quickly. These big names, whilst popular, proved financially destructive to the league. The finances imploded and the NASL died.

The sport however, did not die with it. These set-backs only served to radicalise the passion that fans in the US had for the game, yet without a national outdoor league (indoor football leagues continued to flourish), footballs future prospects again looked grim. Step forward, Paul Caligiuri. In 1989, Caligiuri scored against Trinidad and Tobago - a goal that would later be called “the shot heard around the world.” It was this goal that sent the USA to the 1990 World Cup, their first World Cup in 40 years. This had a crucial impact in FIFA awarding the 1994 Finals to the USA, which came on the provision that they create a new national league, the eventual Major League Soccer.

Major League Soccer had a bleak early history and at one point had to contract its Miami and Tampa Bay franchises to remain alive. Yet it has since created a very stable and continuously growing league. Do not underrate that last point. Ten years ago I went for a holiday to the USA, and my Eurosnobbery saw what was then a struggling league that was experimenting with rules to try and appeal to a an American market that just really didn’t care. I dismissed it pretty quickly. Now skip to ten years later, where I was to spend the summer with my American fiancée working in New Jersey with her - I was shocked by just how much MLS had grown in the USA. A pleasant shock I must add, for I have grown to love MLS.

You see, because the league did not follow the same mistakes as the old NASL, its growth was not as immediately explosive. What it has been, is sustained. The league is seriously one that I cannot even recognise, as thanks to a continued across the board growth, the league is set to thrive in ways the the old NASL never could.

This sustainability was partly achieved by a strict salary cap. This ensured that no club would spend irresponsibly, in order to pursue short term success, and encouraged squad development as a whole, as opposed to relying on star power. It is a policy that is starting to pay off. 

David Beckham unveiled by the LA Galaxy, back in 2007.

So what about David Beckham you may ask? Well, in order to bring David Beckham to the US, they changed the rules so that an MLS team may have three “designated players” outside of the salary cap. This has opened the doors to the signings of Thierry Henry, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Jermain Defoe, Alessandro Nesta, and many more who would have normally become impossible to entice to the league. It has brought star power that has made the American people take notice more and more each year. The most recent reward has been a brand new TV contract that has tripled the TV money that MLS will receive which will in turn, allow MLS to further raise the salary cap and attract even higher quality players. See what I mean about sustainability?

However, the all-important Dollar is all well and good, but the true advances have been made in culture and infrastructure. When MLS first began in 1996 they had no stadia to actually call their own. They had to share stadiums with NFL teams, whose 60,000 seater stadiums created a cavernous environment, ill-suited for the smaller attendances of MLS. 

Today, 13 out of 19 teams play in what are known as “soccer specific stadiums”. As the name implies, these are stadiums built specifically to host MLS teams, they are around 15,000-30,000 state of the art new stadiums that help create a much more intimate atmosphere for the game and have proved a financially and cultural success in helping the US to create its own domestic football culture.

Columbus built the first "soccer specific stadium", opened in 1999.
Home of the Columbus Crew.

Let it not be dismissed, football has managed to establish itself outside of a niche culture. This has been partly driven by the popularity of the game amongst the American youth. As of 2006, over 24 million Americans play football. There are 4.2 million players (2.5 million men and 1.7 million women) registered with U.S. Soccer. Thirty percent of American households contain someone playing football, a figure second only to baseball (Americas national pastime). A 2011 ESPN sports poll ranked soccer as the second most popular sport in the country for 12-24 year-olds. Key to the youth conversion to the game has been a successful community outreach by MLS clubs, that is now starting to pay off.

Alex Morgan - star of the USWNT.
We have a bit of a crush on Alex.

I would be remiss in discussing US Football without also addressing the fantastic achievements of the women. For the womans game, the successful inroads of the sport have been even more noticeable. Two World Cup wins, four Olympic gold medals and victory in nine of the last fourteen Algarve Cup tournaments. The United States loves winners, and the ladies representing Uncle Sam have been fully embraced and recognised for their dominance. They have been remarkable beneficiaries of US policy of equal governmental sports funding between genders which hints at the greater acceptance and respect that female sports receive in the United States. 90,000 fans attended the 1999 Women's World Cup Final in Pasadena and witnessed Brandi Chastain remove her shirt in jubilation following her winning penalty kick. Contrast this with the most recent champions, Japan. Despite winning the World Cup, the Women's team had to fly coach even though the male team get to fly first class despite having no equal achievements to their name.

Increasing numbers of Latin immigrants and their descendants have also played a huge role in the explosive growth of the game in the past few years. This is part of a larger trend of globalisation that has benefitted the game. The world is more closely linked together than ever before, there is a large consumption of foreign leagues on American television which have become ratings successes. Combine this with the continuing successes of the United States on the international level, 
and you have a recipe for them to cause some serious shockwaves in the coming years.

America is rich. With a growing culture comes growing access to these riches and with the riches comes power. In today's increasingly money-centric game, America has the potential to compete in a way that very few nations will be able to challenge. "When America sneezes, the world catches a cold" is the old saying. Well, the USA is catching the soccer-bug and the world may never be the same again.

Jürgen - The New Kaiser

On the international level, the United States is under the guidance Jürgen Klinsmann. One of the greats of the game as a player, he has gave himself the mission to transform the culture of the US and the way it plays Football. However, dogged tenacity will only get you so far, Klinsmann aims to dictate. His ruthless guidance has transformed the team into a very powerful attacking force, capable of dictating terms to any opponents, big or small. There have been tremendous improvements for the USMNT under Herr Klinsmann, including a 1-0 victory in Italy, a historic first time win away against long time rivals Mexico in the Estadio Azteca, a twelve game winning streak that started with a 4-3 defeat of Germany and included a successful Gold Cup victory. In fact, coming into this World Cup the USMNT has won 19 out of their past 24 games. Klinsmann has the sheer, audacious hoden to make the tough call and the controversial decisions and for the most part he has provided the results to back it up. One such decision was the dropping of the veteran talisman Landon Donovan from the World Cup team, an incredibly bold declaration of faith in his own system and abilities. Despite the controversy of this decision, the United States Soccer establishment has made a commitment to back their man, recently granting him a contract extension that runs until 2018. The USA favours the bold, the audacious and the daring and in Klinsmann they have all three. Add in a healthy dose of great results and the USA flock has no greater shepherd to guide them during these transformational times.

Brandi Chastain removes her shirt after scoring the winning
penalty in the Womens World Cup Final of 1999.

The United States face Portugal tomorrow, a team that they have defeated in the World Cup once before. I believe that they are capable of bringing the game to Portugal and gaining a result. This team will be no pushover to whoever plays them, and a key strength that will play in their favour will be their underestimation by their opponents. After all, these American wannabes don't care about football right? Surely there is no need to take them seriously? Guaranteed victory surely? This kind of attitude has the potential to cause some serious shockwaves, not just in their Portuguese opponents but in all of us. The days of mockery and dismissal are numbered.
 

Is this the dawning of a new age of American dominance? I would not go that far. However, what I have seen, is that the United States is finally beginning to shake its reputation from the Eurosnobs. It is beginning to take its place in the world brotherhood of football. This may not be fully achieved within this generation, but as a game built upon the successes of the past, I am excited for the next one.

England vs Italy - Match Review: A familiar scoreline, but anything other than 'business as usual'

Aaaannnd breathe. OK, so we've had a couple of day's to let the dust settle in Manaus. We had great feedback from our England vs Italy match preview, so we've decided to give you some light analysis now that we've had chance to take stock of the game, and where it leaves England in regards to Group D. 

England's starting lineup agaisnt Italy on Saturday evening in Manaus

So, England’s first match in Brazil ended in defeat on Saturday night; but the result and England’s performance was anything but ‘business as usual’. For the first time at a major tournament, for well over a decade, England played with a passion, a hunger, and a belief that finally restored a sense of hope and pride amongst England’s long suffering nation of supporters. We here at The Lone Striker believe that's worthy of celebrating. 

The Brains Trust

The Brains Trust

Roy Hodgson has quietly constructed one of them most dynamic management structures that any England coach has ever assembled. Next to long trusted loyal lieutenant Ray Lewington, is the fiery and intensely knowledgeable Gary Neville. Hodgson rules very much through committee rather  than autocratically, and one suspects that the influence of Neville likely swayed Hodgson’s team selection on Saturday evening towards England’s exciting youngsters. Something The Lone Striker feared he wouldn't do, given his reticence to invest his faith in the same group of players in the past.  But ultimately, the buck stops with Hodgson. It takes a certain degree of courage to gamble ‘with the kids’ as Hodgson did against Italy - it’s his job and reputation on the line. His bold, young, attacking lineup was a revelation. There was vindiation too, for his faith in Danny Welbeck, in the face of increasing pressure (including from us) to leave him out of the starting lineup.

Raheem Sterling: A Star Is Born

What became evident just minutes into Saturday’s game was that in Raheem Sterling, England possess one of the most exciting young prospects in world football. Sterling was a constant menace to the Italians who at times had no answer to Sterling’s pace and trickery. Not since Euro 2004 in Portugal have England seen a performance of such sheer fearlessness. A star was born on Saturday night. Let’s just hope that his light burns brighter than those who have come before him.

Danny Welbeck: Faith Repaid

Danny Welbeck was outstanding against The Italians, 
repaying Roy Hodgson's faith in The Manchester United youngster.

Danny Welbeck, the much maligned Manchester United wideman finally repaid the faith of his manager, with his most exceptional performance in an England shirt. Welbeck was relentless in his pursuit to dispossess and pressurise the Italian back line. His tireless performance was a vindication for Hodgson’s refusal to heed calls for Welbeck’s exclusion.

Wayne Rooney: More Frustration for The United Superstar

Rooney cut an increasingly frustrated figure at times against Italy 

It was a mixed night for the under-fire Manchester United star who has come under intense scrutiny, leading up to England’s World Cup. Rooney looked uncomfortable in his starting position on the left of England’s midfield, struggling to grasp his defensive duties, which continually left Leighton Baines exposed and looking vulnerable down England’s left hand side. The Italians all too quickly pounced on this obvious English weakness and clinically continued to target England’s left flank. 

Going forward, Rooney provided England’s superb assist for Sturridge’s goal, and came close to grabbing England’s equaliser in the second half following some superb work to create an opening for himself. 

Ultimately, Rooney needs to do more, and desperately needs a world class performance in order for Hodsgon to continue to justify his place in the starting eleven.  The wolves are at the door for Rooney. With a hungry, and hugely talented Ross Barkley waiting in the wings, and with England’s best player Raheem Sterling excelling in Rooney’s favoured position behind the number 9, Rooney could struggle to finish this tournament as an regular starter.

The Engine Room

The much improved Jordan Henderson continued to impress alongside
 Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard.

With Italy (predictably) dominating in possession, England struggled to get Steven Gerrard into the game, and for periods, the England captain became a peripheral figure. But in Gerrard’s Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson, England posses the most improved footballer in the country, over the second half of last season. He looked almost unrecognizable from the player who faced Italy two years ago in Kiev, and it was illustrative that it was Henderson who collared Rooney after The England's equaliser to remind him of his defensive duties - such is his growth in stature inside the England camp.

England again struggled to close down the space around Pirlo the way in which Italy, (the masters of the art) do. But England seemed content to allow Pirlo the time and space to retain the ball deep in Italian territory, knowing that in messrs Sturridge, Welbeck, Sterling and Rooney, England probably possess the most potentially explosive front four of any team at this World Cup - apart from perhaps the Argentineans. 

Apart from Italy’s opening goal - the result of a mass suicidal lapse in concentration, Italy rarely threatened from central midfield areas, and were largely reduced to efforts from distance. This was in large part, due to the industry and discipline of the excellent Henderson, shoring up the space in front of England’s back four throughout.

England's Rear Guard

Glenn Johnson must do more to protect England's centre back pairing

Baines’ vulnerbality down England’s left flank was clearly a cause of concern for Hodgson at the close of the half. In the absence of any effective midfield cover, England started the second half with the excellent Welbeck switched to wide left - but Baines continued to look vulnerable from wide areas, and will rightly feel disappointed that he wasn’t able to close down Candreva’s cross for the (unusually) clinical Balotelli. 

Apart from Cahill being beat by a superb piece of forward movement by Balotelli, ghosting a route to the back post for Italy’s winner, both he and Jagielka looked comfortable throughout. As did  Joe Hart in England’s goal. Despite a nervy start; Hart too, will feel dissaponted that he didn't do better with his old pal's eventual winner.

England must do better to protect the central spine of their back four - which calls upon both Glenn Johnson and Leighton Baines to dominate their respective flanks and to press opposing wide players more aggressively. But these problems are easily rectified in the coming days on England's training pitches.

Goals! Goals! Goals!

Sturridge wheels away after scoring England's superb equalizer

Daniel Sturridge grew in stature throughout the game. An early aversion to gamble in central areas was soon forgiven with a world class finish, after England had carved open Italy in the space of two simple passes - in a way that the Italians singularly failed to do so against the England lineup. 

With England desperately piling forward in the latter stages, the lack of an aerial presence proved a problem. England may have been better served in introducing Rickie Lambert to give them a greater central threat late on, rather than the otherwise impressive Adam Lallana. But critics who called for Andy Carrol's inclusion will point to the fact that the "Geordie Warrior" was excellent against Italy two years ago in Kiev, and the likes of Rooney, Lallana and Sterling were unlikely to win the aerial battles with Chiellini and Barzagli in particular.

The Lone Striker's Verdict

In an almost perverse way, Englands defeat on Saturday night may prove more valuable to this young English squad than a victory would ever have. They were taught valuable lessons at the hands of the Azzurri, that will be of enormous value to these players in this tournament and in tournaments' to come. 

Football at this level is brutally unforgiving, and England were made to pay harshly for two lapses in concentration. But this isn’t any any other tournament, and this isn’t just any other group of England players. 

England have nothing to fear against The Uruguayans this Thursday - even with the return of the mercurial Suarez. On Saturday's showing in Manaus, these are exciting days ahead for Roy Hodgson's new look side.

Strap in an enjoy the ride, it could get bumpy, but one thing is for sure, this could be the start of something very special.

England vs Italy - Match Preview

After four years of waiting for what feels like an eternity,  the most anticipated World Cup of all time is upon us. This evening, Brazil will kick off the greatest Footballing extravaganza in the history of the game when they play host to Croatia, in Säo Paulo. Finally, the footballing world can breathe a collective sigh of relief - The World Cup is here!

In our latest Post, The Lone Striker previews England’s opening matchup; Saturday night’s ‘Rumble in The Jungle’ against four-time World Cup Winners, the mighty Italy, in Manaus. So what can we expect?

The Azzurri

Expect few surprises from the Azzurri. In Gianluigi Buffon, Italy possess one of the great goalkeepers of all time - at 36 it will probably be the last time that the colossus will captain his country in a World Cup, and thus the last time he will attempt to add to his 2006 winners medal. In front of Buffon, will be his Juventus team mates; the centre-back pairing of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. Either side will be Milan duo, Ignazio Abate at right back and Mattia De Sciglio at left back.

Italy Imperious Captain Gianluigi Buffon will be aiming to win his 
second World Cup this summer in Brazil.

In midfield in recent weeks, Cesare Prandelli has experimented with a 4-3-3 formation, but has faced heavy criticism from back home in Italy, concern mounting due to lacklustre performances against The Republic of Ireland and lowly Luxembourg. Expect a return to Prandelli’s favoured 4-3-2-1 formation against England; with Andrea Pirlo, Italy’s conductor-in-chief (also playing  in his last World Cup) partnered in the midfield trio with Daniel de Rossi and Marco Veratti, (who replaces the injured Riccardo Montolivo).

PSG's Marco Verrati will likely play alongside Pirlo and De Rossi in the Italy midfield, 
replacing the injured Riccardo Montolivo.

Playing in front of this midfield three, and behind an Italian number 9 will likely be another of Prandelli’s favourites; Juve’s Claudio Marchisio. Prandelli partnered him during qualifying with Lazio’s Antonio Candreva. However, whoever start as Italy’s number 9, could determine who the decision as to who plays alongside Marchisio.

Who Prandelli chooses to lead the line is the subject of almost frenzied speculation in Italy right now. Serie A’s Capocannoniere; the hugely talented Ciro Immobile, has been a revelation this season. Last Sunday he repeated his club form with a hat-trick in Italy’s final warm up match before they face England, demonstrating the kind of form that has just seen Borussia Dortmund land his signature, to replace the outgoing Robert Lewandowski. If Prandelli chooses to go with Immobile, expect to see Alessio Cerci, who alongside Seria A's top scorer, formed the most explosive forward line in the league last term. Prandelli may well aim to harness their chemistry at club level for the Azzurri.

What to do with a problem like Mario?

Prandelli has shown remarkable faith in the volatile Mario Balotelli - who despite a wretched season at Milan, is still capable of turning a game on its head. Balotelli was outstanding against England two years ago at Euro 2012, and this may just see Prandelli give him the nod ahead of Immobile, but given the recent form of Immobile, don’t count out the idea of the Italian Boss going with the unknown.

All smiles now: Balotelli & Ciro Immobile share a joke at Italy's training camp.
But who will Cesare Prandelli choose to lead his line against England?

Italy’s Probable Lineup

4-3-2-1

The Three Lions

England’s back five - much like Italy’s effectively picks itself. 

Following a dreadful start to last season - which resulted in Manuel Pellegrini dropping him from The Manchester City lineup - since his return Joe Hart has been consistently brilliant, and was a major factor in City’s title success this season. 

Right back will, once again, be England’s biggest concern throughout this World Cup; with the erratic and gaffe-prone Glen Johnson as England’s first choice. The fact that Hodgson has used James Milner at in this role during England’s warm up games has done little to alleviate English anxiety, in a position that they have struggled in since Gary Neville’s retirement. 

England’s remaining back line will be made up of Chelsea’s Gary Cahill, who has increasingly looked a genuine world class centre back at club level this season, and Everton pair Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines. Given the scarcity of genuine cover, the fitness of Cahill and Jagielka will be key for any English success this summer. Both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have had horrendous seasons domestically and have looked poor in England’s warm up matches.

England's centre back pairing of Gary Cahill & Phil Jagielka will look to bring
their excellent club form with them to Brazil this summer.

It is difficult to see Roy Hodgson allowing Andrea Pirlo the time and space to man oeuvre at will and to tear England to shreds like their last meeting at Euro 2012. This time around, expect Jordan Henderson to be given the role of terrier, to close down the space around which Pirlo will look to dictate the play.

Perhaps the most important player in England’s first match will be the Jungle climate of Manaus. In what we already know to be terrible playing conditions, on a dreadful looking pitch, will only be exacerbated by an intimidating temperature of 25+ degrees Celsius, with a humidity up in the high 70’s. Don’t expect two teams looking to press each other high up the pitch early doors. 

Given the premium on possession, expect to see experienced stalwarts Lampard and Gerard marshaling the three-man midfield. Despite a combined age of over 70, Gerard is coming off the back of his best season in years, and the evergreen Lampard has looked excellent for England in their warm up games.

The Old Guard. 

Behind Hodgson’s beloved Rooney, in the absence of Manchester United’s injured  Danny Welbeck, it looks like England will call upon the explosive Raheem Sterling. Sterling is widely reported to have been superb in camp this summer, leaving senior squad members raving about his performances in training. If Hodsgon is wise, he will line Sterling up on the right, thus giving him licence to attack the normally right sided De Sciglio.

The Young Pretender: Raheem Sterling's post season form in an
England shirt has been a huge lifet for The England Camp.

Don’t all groan at once.

Don’t be surprised if Hodgson elects to start with Manchester City’s James Milner. The much maligned multiple Premier League winner rarely fails to deliver when called upon. The attack minded Sterling will look to go forward at every opportunity, and if England face being caught in possession and hit on the break, Milner is a safer option to re-balance a midfield with defensive duties, than the (otherwise excellent) pair of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adam Lallana.

Our Predicted England Lineup

4-3-2-1

Final Thoughts

This one will be a tight affair, with both sides giving little away. Expect to see the best young English prospect since Paul Gascoigne, Everton's Ross Barkley introduced late in the game, as well as Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Their introduction could do some serious damage to a tiring Italy side not blessed with a great deal of pace. 

For Italy likewise, expect Antonio Cassano & Ciro Immobile to feature in the latter stages, attempting to make a similar impact. If Prandelli introduces Alessio Cerci to stretch England's midfield, we could see Roy Hodgson replace Lampard with Arsenal's Jack Wilshere; whose natural ability and aggression looking to get forward from central areas will be a massive worry for the Italians.

Prediction.*

1-0 England. A tight game of few real chances is decided late on by the explosive Ross Barkley, who introduces himself upon The World Stage.

*Warning. Prediction may contain unsubstantiated hope and optimism.

Don't agree with our lineup? Comment below, or on social media, as to how you would send out the Three Lions!