Why didnt England Qualify

[topnotch]

quite interesting in reading back through this thread. the truth is though that all players were and are capable. but england has a culture of expected failure which breeds a self fulfilling prophecy (we are expected to be world beaters, whereas for example scotland are quite content to be the plucky underdog internationally). it is easier to lose with pride than 'shame', which is connected to every england loss. brian clough (only english manager to retain the european cup) has a famous rant about the babble on tactics, and the reality of the players on the field who truly are responsible. all of our players physically are as good as anyone. the truth is pychological.

this whole failure to qualify had triggered a massive over-reaction, by the media who shock horror is the sole perpetrator of the myth of supposed superiority in the first place. english international players aren't technically sound?!? do me a favour. the scots both domestically (eg in glasgow on a european night) and internationally roar their sides on to glory win lose or draw. the players have an extra yard of pace and you can see it physically. what do the engerland fans do? boo a bad pass, boo a player etc after being flooded with mindless tripe from the papers. believe the hype good and bad. surprise surprise our boys bottle it. i bet they turn up with pride, but end up playing on their nerves, dreading playing with responsibility. i could understand if we were brazil and failed to qualify.

a mainstream head sports writer said a bit back that better press access to the players would help remove some of the fear from the players about being savaged or blamed and given negative coverage. what tripe, the press should just jog on and report the facts. not give silly opinions in a sport they have no actual credible experience in. because they are kept at arm's length they write rubbish and try and ridicule. look at why scolari refused the england job, too much press intrusion. we ended up with mclaren, oh dear. so the press printed the back pages branding him a chicken to cover their own backs. hhmmm...well done!?!?! that last point sums it all up.
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top rugby tipster april 2007