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Scouting
Report
Style of play: England has always lived by the
motto, "It's okay to give up three goals as long
as we score four." Even with the introduction of
tactical mastermind Sven Goran Erikkson as coach, England
hasn't totally abandoned that approach. England plays
a fluid, attacking type of soccer, applying consistent
pressure on its opponents with surging long balls and
speed up the middle of the pitch. With captain David
Beckham at the helm, they are absolutely devastating
in set-piece situations. In contrast, England's defenders,
uncomfortable in possession of the ball, simply hoof
it out of danger instead of trying to carry it up field
or making an outlet pass. The defensive-midfielder drops
back as a sweeper, while the other midfielders drive
England's attach by moving the ball around, pressing
forward and providing service to the strikers.
Strengths:
Coaching -- In Sven Goran Erikkson, England has
one of the best coaches in the world. He is an astute
tactician who understands the game better than most
coaches and uses a subtle approach to get the very best
performances out of his players. Recent tabloid exposés
of his personal life should have blown over enough by
now to not be a distraction.
Confidence -- After a disastrous start to the
qualifying round, England strung together an impressive
six-game unbeaten streak to earn direct qualification
into the World Cup. As a result, the English are playing
with a renewed sense of confidence that will serve them
well in the "Group of Death."
Attacking depth -- England has several world-class
strikers and forwards to call upon for duty in Japan
and South Korea. Forwards Emile Heskey and Robbie Folwer
beautifully complement the talents of Michael Owen,
while veteran Teddy Sheringham provides a breath of
experience in attack.
Weaknesses:
Injuries -- Too many injuries to key players
will hurt England's chances of advancing. Key contributors
David Beckham, David Seaman, Michael Owen and Kieron
Dyer are not 100%. Steven Gerrard, Danny Murphy and
Gary Neville bowed out of the squad earlier this month
due to injury, depleting England's shallow reserve of
starters even further.
Defence -- England is very weak at the back.
Rio Ferdinand, the squad's only quality defender, will
have to carry the load by himself. Martin Koewn is an
aging veteran, Sol Campell is overrated, Wes Brown is
hopeless, and Danny Mills and Ashley Cole are inexperienced
at the international level.
Argentina -- If England is to win the "The
Group of Death" they'll have to get by powerful
Argentina first. That could prove to be too much for
the English. The Argentines, currently ranked second
in the world, knocked England out of the last World
Cup and have a decided psychological advantage.
Key injuries/omissions: Questions still need
to be answered about David Beckham's broken foot and
whether he will miss England's opening game…. Striker
Michael Owen, starting goalkeeper David Seaman, and
midfielders Kieron Dyer and Nicky Butt are all battling
minor injuries…. Steven Gerrard, Danny Murphy and
Gary Neville (all regular starters) dropped out of the
squad earlier this month due to injury…. Trevor
Sinclair was drafted to replace Danny Murphy in midfield….
Many pundits questioned Sven Goran Eriksson's decision
to overlook midfielders Steve McManaman and Nick Barmby…
Outlook: England has been pooled into the "Group
of Death" with adversaries Argentina, Sweden and
Nigeria. Advancing to the second round from Group F
will not be easy, as the English will have to fight
and scrap for everything they earn, especially considering
the rash of injuries they're dealing with. Any dropped
points will cost them dearly. First and second place
could come down to goal difference, and if that is the
case, their potent offence stands them in good stead.
The key game will be the June 7 encounter against Argentina.
If England can secure a tie against Sweden in its opening
match and upset the Argentines, it should advance. Most
likely, the English will be battling Sweden and Nigeria
for second place. It will be tough, but England should
finish in second. When it does, England will be hard-pressed
to make it to the quarter-finals, since their reward
for second place would likely be a second-round matchup
with France.
The
Country
Location: Western European island nation, bounded
by Wales to the west and Scotland to the north between
the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, northwest
of France.
Capital: London
Area: 130,423 sq km
Population: 49,085,000 (July 2000 est.)
Government type: Constitutional monarchy
Climate: Temperate; moderated by prevailing
southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more
than half the days are overcast.
Ethnic groups: English 81.5%, Scottish 9.6%,
Irish 2.4%, Welsh 1.9%, Ulster 1.8%, West Indian, Indian,
Pakistani, and other 2.8%
Religions: Anglican 27 million, Roman Catholic
9 million, Muslim 1 million, Presbyterian 800,000, Methodist
760,000, Sikh 400,000, Hindu 350,000, Jewish 300,000
(1991 est.).
Languages: English
History: As the seat of power of Great Britain,
England was the dominant industrial power of the 19th
century, and played a leading role in developing parliamentary
democracy. England's strength was severely depleted
in the two World Wars. The second half of the 20th century
saw the dismantling of the British Empire and the United
Kingdom rebuilding itself into a modern European nation.
The Community in Canada
From High Tea in Victoria to the Toronto Cricket Club to Atlantic Canada's English Maritime Heritage, the presence of English culture still surrounds much of Canada like wallpaper. Like wallpaper, it is perhaps seen as a bit stodgy and dull compared to the more stylish finishes we seem to be adopting.
But make no mistake, Anglophiles abound in Canada during the Queen's Golden Jubilee year presence in Canadian culture is as current and as ebullient as it gets. As if communal Coronation Street brunches weren't proof enough, there's the Manchester United Supporters Club of Canada with 6000 members in chapters from Whitehorse to St. John's (www.muscc.com ).
Those club members will form a large and boisterous contingent of supporters of the English team in Japan and South Korea.
Kevin Kerr is Chairman of the club. He says the ONLY place to watch the game is on one of the many screens at the club's Toronto headquarters, Skallywag's at Yonge and St. Clair.
"We may not be able to get a pint, but it'll be going 24 hours a day during World Cup - for all the matches."
England's first adversaries, Sweden, he says, have always given them a tough time and held them to close games. But he feels that if they can get past Sweden in the opening round, there's no stopping them.
"We'll be going all the way."
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