England’s national team still needs work despite the young talent coming through.

Why the current national team still needs work to bring them the all-important glory?

The England football team in recent years has had some of the greatest players representing the nation.  The likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gary Neville and David Beckham. Yet, they never fulfilled their full potential on the international stage and it has been a long time coming.  Wayne Rooney being sent off in the quarter final against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho. At the time, it was inevitable the loss would soon follow.  The defeat back in 2006 could have been the year for England to rectify a 40 year wait for the World Cup.

Current England Manager, Gareth Southgate has a handful of players who could become world class. The likes of Marcus Rashford who has been sensational for Manchester United last season scoring two goals against Arsenal.  He managed to score on his debut for England’s U21’s, which has given the fans something to look forward to in the future. Harry Kane is another player who has the potential to become world class for both club and country, scoring 19 goals so far this season for Spurs.

The embarrassing loss to Iceland in the Euro’s still showed some weaknesses in the side; one thing is for sure the mentality of team needs lots of developing. Some tactical decisions made by Roy Hodgson at the time, were questionable throughout the tournament. Harry Kane, a centre forward, yes a CENTRE FORWARD taking corners in the tournament will always be something that will haunt fans.

Why Captain Wayne Rooney, should no longer be a starter for the side or even in the squad?

Wayne Rooney in his recent years has lost his fighting edge that we all grew up with and adored about the Manchester United skipper.  England’s record goal scorer is not the goal machine he once was, the man who you could rely on to get you the last-minute goal. Simply put, he is no longer the game changer.

Rooney has settled as a leader of the side and with his midfield role. But, his playing style has proven to be a liability for both club and country. The fact that he is no longer a regular starter for United could mean that should England qualify, he might not make the list.

His goal tally has dipped in recent seasons, with only managing to score two goals so far this season for Manchester United:

England have always had the players to compete in the top level, but do the regular fixtures cost the players?

Many managers in the Premier League, have had their say on the fixtures in critical times of the season. Jurgen Klopp, in the festive period discussed his issues with Liverpool’s schedule: “I would never say Boxing Day is not a good idea as I love it and I have absolutely no problem. But now having a match day with two days between there should be another possibility.”

Jose Mourinho, current Manchester United manager has expressed his views on United’s upcoming run of games: “It’s difficult to play Monday night, it’s difficult to play with ten men, it’s difficult to play Rostov. It’s difficult to play 12 o’clock on Sunday.”

The FA Cup, the EFL cup and the league itself as well as teams playing in Champions League and the Europa League, all have a mountain of fixtures to deal with on a monthly basis. Which could be taking a toll on English players who want to compete for their country on the international stage.

Where should Southgate focus his efforts?

Gareth Southgate has only managed three teams throughout his managerial career, the current England squad, the England U21s and Middlesbrough FC.

Southgate has a win percentage of 82% with his England U21s. Which is higher than his current squad and his time at Middlesbrough FC.

The manager quite bluntly, needs to win matches for the side. Whether it is against countries like San Marino or France. The only way the team will improve and grow in confidence is if they beat every team they face.

Southgate needs to ensure past experiences with the England side does not affect the players. The previous loss to Iceland, the devastating defeat against Germany in the 2010 World Cup. Let’s not forget the defeat against Croatia on home soil where the side lost    3-2,  costing them the opportunity to qualify for the Euro’s back in 2008.

Countries such as San Marino and Iceland should be team’s fans expect to win against. Whereas teams such as France, Germany and Italy especially in the international tournaments are the greater challenge for the side. A win against teams like that will always prove to more beneficial.