Deja vu as England depart - again - at the semi final stage
England 1 v Holland 3
This time last year the nation was in thrall at the prospect of an England side reaching the final of a World Cup. Their manager Gareth Southgate had demonstrated intelligence, political nous and managerial ability in melding a side based on youth, into a functional unit that had rekindled hope amongst a fan base long familiar with disappointment. Even when that England side departed at the semi final stage, to a far superior Croatia, the plaudits for what had been achieved were glowing. It had been a roller coaster but for once England had exceeded expectations.
On their return to England Southgate rightly shunned the offer of an open top bus tour a decision which demonstrated an understanding that though his side had done well they had still returned empty handed. “Ball retention” became the mantra, Luca Modric the template for the type of player required to bring that about. Twelve months on and England’s performance against Holland in the Semi Final of the Nations League demonstrated that the mantra of ball retention and finding a Luca Modric remain but a pipe dream.
Yes England were short of a number of key players who had performed in the Champions league final. Yes they were but inches away from scoring a tremendous goal that would have given them a 2-1 lead. And yes they were the architects of their own downfall with two pieces of sloppy defensive play. But to concentrate on those issues is to miss the point. If I can use an analogy. This current England side is like the Wolves team that went into the Premier League under Mick McCarthy. Doughty, well organised and hard working but lacking in flair. Holland, by contrast, were like the current Wolves side under Nuno Espiroto Santo. And until England find a Neves, a Moutinho and a Jota they will continue to struggle.
A year ago, following England’s 1-0 group stage defeat to Belgium, I asked “Who are our world class players?” before stating that we’ve got some good players but few of them are really world class. That circumstance prevails.
Southgate is an intelligent man and will know that tonight his side was outplayed. Though he won’t utter that publicly deep down he knows that the challenges he faces are considerable. He currently has a lot of goodwill. He needs to find a Modric.
©Mark Brennand