My attempt at a lame tabloid, lay-the-blame headline, but I do feel the stand-in captain shoulders a fair portion of the blame for England’s qualification capitulation, and as England supporters and their media tend to turn a blind eye to his shortcomings, I see it as my responsibility to balance things out with a scathing attack on he who can do no wrong. First and foremost, he is a very good player, but more and more I am coming to the realisation he is one of the most selfish midfielders I have ever watched. Lampard's poor performances alongside him have as much to do with the fact that Stevie won't let him near the ball as anything.
My major gripe is that , when he has a poor performance, he has a stifling effect on the team as his unwillingness to allow his teammates to see any of the ball in midfield leaves them short of options. At times against Croatia last night, I almost got the feeling he would tackle Lamps or Barry if they didn't cede midfield supremacy to him. In some respects , as a midfield general he shows similarities to Roy Keane, whose dominant personality quickly put paid to any hopes of a dream partnership with Seba Veron. However, Keane is a United legend and so, ultimately, can do no wrong.
Although Stevie is driven by a desire to help the team win, he thinks solely of what he as an individual can contribute without considering how he can help the players around him to be better. Selfless running to create space for others and allowing Lampard the room to play to his strengths were simply not on the menu last night. On form, when a game needs to be taken by the scruff of the neck, he is an incredible player, but the stark contrast between his impact on the team and that of David Beckham was clear to see by comparing the spirits of England's players (and the crowd) during the two halves. Deadball Dave may no longer wear the armband, but certainly did more to galvanise the troops, providing a boost of energy and an assist for Crouch.
I don't really feel Gerrard needs to be dropped or that he is the source of England's misfortune (although he should have picked up Petric when he scored the winner...similar to his slack marking for both of Rosicky's FA Cup goals at Anfield last season...but that's another story...), but even as a neutral, I feel exasperated by the team's performance and feel blaming it solely on Carson or Bridge is a little too easy - although I acknowledge their responsibility for the first and second goals respectively. As a matter of fact, I feel some level of self-loathing for stooping so low as to hand someone the blame and not focus on the really worrying factors, such as the Croatians' superior passing, ball control, movement and (clearly) preparation.
These are problems that only a top manager - and hopefully the introduction of a fresh batch of young talent - can resolve. Either arrogant or delusional, English fans and the press are already calling for the likes of Lippi and Mourinho to take on the job, and while these top-end managers are of the calibre required, whether or not they would be tempted is another kettle of fish completely. Capello has suggested interest in the challenge, and while his brand of football isn't always pleasing on the eye, his tactical nous is undeniable, he has never been averse to making unpopular decisions when required and he virtually guarantees success. He is one worth considering. Another popular suggestion is Martin O'Neill and while I admire his man-management, I think motivation is not what is lacking from the national team players. McClaren was out-thought by Hiddink and Bilic and getting the best out of what is undoubtedly a talented group of players will have more to do with the next boss's tactics, strategies and general approach to the game. Let's hope it is someone who appreciates Joga Bonito.
