FOWLER: SVEN COULD DESTROY ENGLAND'S CHANCES
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Fowler - no christmas card off Sven this year then |
Robbie Fowler's column in today's Liverpool Echo.
"From the moment Sven-Goran Eriksson took charge of England's team, we were told that 2006 would represent the best chance this country has had since 1966 to win the World Cup again.
According to those in charge at Soho Square six years ago, a squad of players bursting with talent would have plenty of experience under their belts and be primed to conquer in Germany, led by a coach whose bold tactics would transform games.
Looking at that now, I think we can safely say the first part of that statement is true.
If England are going to upset the odds and deliver on the biggest stage of all, it will be in spite of Eriksson rather because of him.
Victory over Paraguay last weekend in the opening Group game and another positive result against Trinidad & Tobago tomorrow evening will see England progress with a game to spare and that would represent mission accomplished.
But you can't escape the feeling that something isn't right and that must come down to the manager. I've nothing personal against Eriksson - despite playing under him for a few years, I barely know him - these are just concerns I know many fans have.
I would love nothing more than to see England triumph in Berlin on July 9 yet can we rely on Eriksson to make the right decisions at the right times when the competition enters the knockout stages? I'll let you decide that one.
Judging on the Paraguay game, there is plenty of room for improvement from the bench. Michael Owen might have had better games than he had in Frankfurt but, even still, the decision to substitute him was a curious one.
Michael is a world class player and a world class finisher, who is always likely to get you a goal out of nothing. He has just had 17 weeks off with a broken foot and is fighting his way back to fitness and needs all the minutes on the pitch he can get.
Why, then, drag him off when England were in control and re-treat into a defensive shell? England have got far too many class players to resort to tactics that see them sit back and hit opponents on the break.
If you look at a midfield of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Beckham and Joe Cole, then think that Wayne Rooney is going to be back shortly, there is plenty of flair and skill to take opposition teams apart.
Will we see it in Germany? It's doubtful. Too often once Plan A doesn't work, there isn't a Plan B and I can't understand w hy Eriksson doesn't allow Stevie to do for his country what he does so magnificently for Liverpool.
Think of all the midfielders playing in the tournament and then try to name two or three better than Stevie. Almost impossible, isn't it? I just can't fathom why Eriksson continues to place so much defensive responsibility on him.
It shouldn't be too much of an issue until the quarter-finals but that's when the big guns will all come together. Only then will we see if Eriksson can deliver what was promised when he first took charge."
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