Planet Soccer

Surprisingly to myself, I agree that Euro 2008 will be much better off without England in the mix. I believe that they are a very unattractice team to watch play. Next to Spain (who still is much better off right now), England is one of the most underachieving teams in the world. I'm tired of hearing English fans complaining about them deserving to be there and crying their eyes out because they aren't. This years European Championships are shaping up to be an incredible several weeks of football. As a huge fan of Real Madrid and Ruud Van Nistelrooy, I'll be paying close attention to Holland and Spain next week.

Speaking as a Welshman I am absoulely delighted England are not there.. I can enjoy the tournament without worrying they might win it.

John,

This is not journalism, this is trash talking. I am disappointed that your articles consistently express an anti-Anglo attitude that would be construed as bigotry if it were aimed at a minority group. Your vitriol for the English is becoming less and less veiled. Please use this forum more responsibly, as befits a representative of our national broadcaster.

It's going to be better without them..that's for sure. They do not know how to play soccer anyways. What is that kick the ball as far they can..and then follow it for ninety minutes..that's boring..no wonder..they don't win titles.

England is, and has been, the most overestimated side ever since they, with the aid of the refs, won the World Cup at home turf. Some media tend to think that, because somehow they claim the paternity of modern soccer football, England is a world soccer power.
Granted, English premier teams dominated UEFA this year, but hey, how many non-English players actually played a role!? England has never showed the kind of dominance and superiority that teams like Brazil, Argentina, Italy or even France have shown at some point in time in the last 40 years.
Winning the World Cup? give me a break! Winning the European Cup? keep on dreaming!

I am a Canadian living in Austria and like most here, we know why Austria is in the tourney. A non-issue. I believe that England NOT here is also a non-issue. Besides English pubowners and retailers, who cares? They have lost their claim to being a football power long ago. I was particularly amused during Beckham's tenure as captain, and let any Englishman I happened to run into know it. For a country that is known for their skinhead hooligans and tough guy fan image, a metrosexual as poster boy is interesting, if nothing less.

The English are holding desperately onto their reputations - both as football power and world power in a time when the rest of the world has left them behind.

England is Canada's team, so it sucks that they won't be there.
It's even worse considering I'm currently living just outside of Vienna, and would be able to watch their games if they had actually made it.
As for my first remark, I stand by it. Anyone out there with me?

While there is no doubt England did not deserve to qualify, they did not play well in qualifying; to say that Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand, not to mention John Terry, are supposed world class players is a bit misguided. These players are world class players and have proven it in club football. The reason for Englands woes in my opinion is they did not play a well organized, disciplined game. They need new ideas and hopefully Cappello will give that to them.

Adrian, England is NOT Canada's team. I would suggest that the Italian, Greek, German, Brazilian, Polish, Portuguese, Dutch, and Russian Canadians (to name a few) may take issue with that statement. I for one am trilled England is not there, as we won't be subjected to the English media's over-hype of their overrated national team. Thankfully, other nations who deserve it will get more coverage for a change.

Love your article! Although you may think you are a minority in your views about England and that the Euro will be better without England, it appears that this view is rapidly growing by the sound of it.

As a Canadian who enjoys watching this beautiful game, I have not been very impressed with England's national team for many years, and do believe that they are very over-rated. There are many great soccer nations that have come to fruition over the past decade that do not get a fraction of the media attention & coverage such as Croatia, and who are far more talented in my option.

I think that with this recent event were England got beaten by a far better team should be a wake-up call to the media to give credit were credit is owed and not create a hype about a Soccer super power that is non-existent. Afterall, the soccer world is changing everyday and smaller nations are demonstrating that they have the knowhow and creativity on the pitch as well!

I know who I will be supporting this summer and it will not be England!!

There are advantages and disadvantages to every style of soccer. Being entertaining is important; so is winning. At the moment, England is doing neither. I would say that England's style of play is not its problem; it's the team's over-confidence and lack of discipline in recent tournaments. The English squad needs to learn that every team, no matter how talented they are individually, needs to work for a win. On the other hand, England has always been a decent side despite not being number one (or even in the top 14) in the world.
England is not, however, the only team for Canadians to cheer for and appreciate. I find Dutch football to be very interesting. They probably won't win the Euro, but they have some very talented individual footballers. There are probably a half dozen national teams at the Euro that I admire to some degree and enjoy watching. Nothing to do with my nationality. There's no personal pride involved (after all, we're not the ones on the pitch, or at least I'm assuming none of you are). I just enjoy creative football. It's important to cheer for your own country (no matter what their FIFA ranking is), but it's a shame that the enjoyment of football is so often confused with nationalistic ideologies.
On related note, I didn't think John's post was overtly prejudiced. Just a moot point. England wasn't good enough to make it this time.

England is not Canada's team. The last time I checked, Canada's team was the Canadian National team...

Sure, they're not very good and they don't play in major tournaments, but then again, neither do the English ;-)

I, too, am happy that England won't be at Euro '08. Ihave watched Premiership football since it's advent and have always been discusted by the brand of soccer I have watched, with the exception of Arsenal, which only has one British player, who is only 17. The best teams in England have very few British players on their squads because the talent just isn't there. You just have to look at Beckham, who in England, was a God. Put him on a legitimate team and he became a bench warmer, for lack of a better word. The 60 yard longball(pass?) is a thing of the late sixties, early seventies and the Brits should recognise that. Look at Brasil, France, Spain and even the Netherlands. Talk about creative soccer that thrills the fans and the world alike. That is how soccer is supposed to be played. Enjoy Euro '08!

Yo, Alex from Toronto, I think that one of things that drags down the cbc in general is the pressure put on it to be everything to everyone and as a result it becomes a weak, lifeless and politically correct voice that gets lost in modern media. So I'd like to applaud Mr. Molinaro for what I think is his correct assessment of one of the most over-rated and disappointing countries in world football - and for having the courage to say it. I think that what befits a national broadcaster is informed thought and courage of opinion and Molinaro and the rest of the cbc needs to come out more often in this fashion.

Molinaro is just stating the obvious - England do not deserve to be at Euro 2008 because they failed to meet the standards of qualification. I don't think even the most ardent England fan would disagree with that statement. Case closed. All he seems to want to do is to provide an opportunity for all those perennial England haters to vent their vitriol in public. And why take a side swipe at Russia? Last time I looked they qualified for the tournement fair and square. Just sit back and enjoy it!

Molinari has shown over and over again his anti anglo bias. England does not deserve to be there losing the qualifier, but they are ranked 7th in FIFA, well above 70% of the participants at 2008. Hardly a stat that shows how bad you claim they are.

The tournament is less without the Brits ( Scotland, ranked 15 as well ). Europeans know this but not John boy...

As a life-long England fan, I'm sad that England won't be there because, in a perverse way, I actually enjoy getting my heart broken yet again.

All the buildup, all the young stars, all the "this time is different," and then guess what? Tears.

It's the same reason people kept cheering for the Red Sox. And Boston proves than jinxes CAN be broken. We just might be in for a long wait.

Had to laugh at some of the quotes.

And the vitriol coming from them... *shakes head*

I don't think they understand that our generation wants to see England win the World Cup (or even the Euros) simply because of one thing:envy of our parents who were around the last time they won it! It's besides the point really, whether England were good enough or not - we just WANTED them to win, even if it would've taken a miracle to do so (see: Greece 2004).

And it's the media that hypes them up, not the average fan.

Is that too difficult a concept for you North Americans to grasp?

J

CBC sports has always given even coverage to famous soccer teams from all over the world, not just England. I fail to see how anyone could think that this blog expresses a courageous or bold opinion. I don't recall seeing England being lauded anywhere lately. They're hardly overrated (except maybe in England). Everyone knows about and has criticized their less than stellar performance during the last few years. No one is surprised that England won't be appearing at Euro '08. Mr. Molinaro is one voice among many.
Don't forget, however, that other teams have underperformed in recent years as well including the Spanish national team. Don't get me wrong, I'm very much a fan of them, love their style of play, but it's been a long time since they picked up any major international silverware either (one Euro victory forty plus years ago). Even Italy failed to qualify for the Euro in '84. This June, I'm expecting a rematch of the 2006 World Cup, but would love to see a surprise upset just like Euro '04.
In response to Scott from Edmonton, you're absolutely right about the Canadian National Team. Considering that soccer is a neglected and underfunded sport in this country, they don't do so badly. I think they've been especially entertaining to watch ever since the last Gold Cup. There's a marginal chance that we could qualify for the 2010 World Cup. I doubt we'd get out of the first round, but it would be a relative victory for us merely to qualify!

England not in Euro..they certainly didn't play like they wanted to be the Euro 2008. Now what really made me sad was that Scotland didn't make it, they were in a much tougher group and they played ther hearts out making us proud.

Who knows it may be the best thing for the English team as they will maybe (I said maybe) come into the world cup with some heart and hunger, rather than what the English media would lead us to believe is divine right to be in the big competitions.

Cheers

Guenter Netzer, former Germany star, said as much on German TV. He had high praise for the Premiership, but little positive to say about the English national squad.

"The Bez" is totally uninformed and seems to be reading articles two years out of date. The Arsenal player to whom he refers is likely Theo Walcott who, last time I checked, is 19, not 17. With respect to Beckham being "a God" in Britain that cannot be further from truth. In fact, he has had a somewhat tenuous relationship with both the English press and English soccer fans since being sent off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup. I've never met any England fan who thinks Beckham is in the same class as the truly great players (Pele, Beckenbauer, etc. He is not the complete player - he has limited dribbling and heading abilities for instance. His reputation has been mainly inflated abroad - witness his impact on the MSL in the USA. You can hardly blame the average long-suffering English soccer fan for the hysteria generated abroad. However, give the man credit - he markets himself amazingly well and is actually a good ambassador to the sport - something which cannot be said for many other "greater" players (Maradona, Ronaldo etc). Also, there can be little argument that in certain situations he is world class - dead ball situations and delivering pinpoint crosses, for example.

England's fan are the most vocal in the world, of course it's terrible that they won't be there.
I get a kick (forgive the pun) out of listening to people complain about Owen Hargreaves "deserting" Canada to join England. I have no family ties to England, but I'd be happy to play for them anyway. Football in Canada's a joke. Think about it this way, but in hockey terms.
Let's say Hargreaves was born in England, but had ties to Canada and had the option of playing for a high power team like Canada or a team that's going nowhere fast like England. Which would you chose? Obviously Canada.
Personally, my family ties go back to Germany many generations ago, but I still cheer for England anyway. There's a reason why Canada's official colours are Red and White.
If they'd had any competence in their managerial dept., England would be in Austria/Switzerland now. Instead, we'll have to wait for Capello to turn things around for 2010.

Kris, while you're right that a major factor in Canadian soccer's lack of progress is the lack of support from the powers that be, the only reason Canada look good now is that our players have been developed abroad. England (gulp) need to do the same with their young players if they hope to improve their lot. When asked how he would improve the English development system Jose Mourinho said: "Send them to the continent". Sending the best of the English to train in Italy and Spain would be ideal but (having seen the coaching in some of these countries myself) the youthful English would even be better served by being trained in small Eastern European countries like Croatia or Romania - two countries in the Euros who play better football than the inventors of the beautiful game...

Beautiful Gamer, I agree completely with you that Canada's improvement is due primarily to the training that our players receive in more developed soccer leagues abroad. Most of the national team's players have spent only a small fraction of their lives actually living and competing in Canada. Many Canadian players obtain citizenship in other countries hoping for a chance to play at the World Cup, Euro, or what have you. Just saying that our team is actually entertaining to watch and agreeing with Scott that it's a team that many Canadians would like to see supported. It's nice to see them doing well despite the lack of attention and funding. I hope recent performances encourage support for the national program and raise the profile of soccer in Canada. I hope we get to the World Cup for a second time and actually score a goal or two. Wishful thinking..? Maybe, maybe not.
As for England's players on the continent, I think you're correct on that point also. Mixing ideas and styles is essential and English players' growth has stagnated for countless reasons. Capello as coach certainly won't hurt them.

You know what Kris? You've raised a key point in Canadian soccer history: that we went to the World Cup and didn't score. What was worse for me than the lack of goals though was our quality of play. But having seen the next generation of Canadian talent and having been around the game a bit I can assure you that Canada can get into the World Cup, score goals and play well. The caveat? "Canadian Soccer" will deserve no credit. The credit will rest only with those players who had the passion and courage to develop their talent on their own outside of this country.

As for England, they've landed one of the best coaches of the last twenty years. He is "grande" as the Italians like to say. And if anyone can take that team deep into the next World Cup it is him. But he can't solve the deeper problem there. Maybe the answer for England lies with the players too - perhaps it is up to them to change the way the game is approached. I really think that is all that England needs. They have the best fans, supposedly the best league, how hard could it be for them to have some of the best players in the world?

I agree, England play boring longballs and never show any creativity. Good ridance for having them off euro 08.

Its funny how the English media always builds the English team as one of the best teams in the world and then wonders why every tournament they drop out after 2 rounds. Here is a simple fact, England is not a good team. They dont belong in top class of football. And the best thing about the English missing Euro is that we're not going to get daily updates of English hooligans causing problems, Euro 2008 is definitely stronger and better without the English.

This is in response to Kris' comments dated June 3 were he states "On related note, I didn't think John's post was overtly prejudiced...".

Note that supporting and encouraging nations other than England does not make one prejudice.

It is important that other nations get fair if not equal coverage during major soccer events. Considering that England is out of the picture I am sure we will see more greater fairness by the media.

On that note, responsible usage of the word "prejudice" is appreciated.

Enjoy Euro08.

Imagine, if you will, that Sven Goran Erickson had never managed England and that McLaren took the reigns at that time.

England would not have qualified for ANY of the major tournaments and this article would never have been written because England would not have just missed out on Euro 2008 but probably been a mid table team.

England are VERY lucky to have Capello as coach now BUT in order for them to progress, the players have to ditch their egos and be ready to listen, learn, and play within a a proper team system. It's no use having so-called world class players if they all try to do everything on their own.

Lastly, Capello should look to build for the 2014 World Cup because England will not be able to win WITHOUT a huge following and I doubt they'll get that in South Africa!!!

16 excellent teams in the European Finals, and yet Mr Molinaro parades his patronising anglophobia yet again by picking on one of the 37 countries who didn't make the cut. It's tiresome.

We English supporters know that we were beaten fair and square in the qualifiers. So I'd love to know whereabouts in England Mr Molinaro spent time in the past year or so. He has some weird impressions of what England fans think. I'm going to watch these finals and will thoroughly enjoy them, even if I have to tune to USA channels for more objective opinion.

they rank #7 in the world, fair enough they played poorly during qualifying and didnt make it, just because your not english doesnt mean you should write an article about it. Everyone realizes that they arent the best team in the world, but to go point fun at the fact makes you a loser bud. I would dare you to read this story to a group of english fans, instead of posting it on a website like a coward. And to all of you that hack the priemership take a look at the champions league final this year.

Although I hail from the the UK, my loyalties are Nottingham Forest first, ahead of England.
England can only participate in this like any other team, by skill, luck or both, and on the go-around it did not happen.
But what a boring, 'corporate' style of no-commitment soccer have I seen this weekend, especially from Austria and Switzerland.
Austria might just beat a Coca Cola League One team on a good day! Their play was rough, unskilled, and very unfair against the more skilled Croats. The referee ought to have used the red card but of course we all want to be good little europols on opening day!

Only Portugal and Turkey showed any fire and passion.

Fellow fans, hate the UK game if you like , but exciting it is. Winning is everything and attack is paramount. which is one reason why England teams never play the possession game well.

This Euro 2008 already looks like a head-nodders paradise, and could become a borefest really quick. 6 goals in 4 matches, one a disputed penalty and another from Germany that looked quite offside.
Bring on England, just for laughs, but at least it will be more fun!

Yes, I am an England fan and dissapointed that they are not there.

Yes, they did not deserve to be there the way they played but to say it is good for the competition? I think the Swiss and austrian business owners will disagree as the teams from the UK bring the biggest support and therefore revenue into their local area's. This will also affect the atmosphere as when England weren't playing the English fans filled up the stadiums to watch the less supported teams.

another thing I disagree with is that France, Germany and Italy are exiting teams. Did you watch the Romania vs France game earlier? France barely attacked and Romania played with 1 up front. Hardly the makings of an impressive attacking game. France have been lucky in the other tournaments remember how Italy were winning 3 minutes into injury time and how they scraped through the groups?

The best players in the English league are also English. Yes there are good foreign players but teams like arsenal are ruining English football and are one of the reasons England didn't qualify as they aren't supporting the youth in England.

I heard the best description of English football on the radio the other day. The (British) commentator described it as "twenty-two men in short pants running around a grass field. Then Germany wins".

Haha

Just to put the record straight. I am English and of course I would love England to have been in Euro 2008. However, I have not met anyone in England, nor heard anyone in the media say that that they think England deserved to be there. Nor do the media here ever inflate England's ability. If you think that, you cannot possibly have ever seen any of the British media. They ALL do exactly the opposite..ALL THE TIME! As fans we are not stupid...we have the best league in the World so we know perfectly well what is good football and what are good players. Nor has anyone ever at any time said that Beckham is in the same class as Pele et al. He does his job very well and is undoubtedly a world class player, but that is not the same thing. We also have Rooney, Terry, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Hargreaves etc who would find their way into any of the teams in Euro 2008. We just have terrible management, and because the Premier League is so powerful it dominates the organisation of the national team.

Manchester United won the Champions League with a team whose core was built in Manchester, with locally developed players.And Manchester United have never had an injection of outside money, everything they spend is earned from within the club, through receipts, marketing sales of TV rights. Even the great non-home grown players were developed here. Don't forget that Ronaldo, talented though he undoubtedly was, was far from a proven great when and not even a regular first team player when he arrived here. How many people who mocked and said Man United had the "wrong Ronaldo" are now regretting it.

So hope that's cleared things up, you can either read the speculation from the outside, written by people who have never even been to England, let alone spoken to English fans, or you can hear it from the inside...as it really is.

Mediocre Russians? Holland 0x1 RUSSIA! :D