posted Aug 28, 2007

Yes I think we do fast track players into the senior team sometimes which longer term could cause problems and be premature. But I am sure other countries do this too with 19 year olds etc. Wasn't Messi ?

We also seem to mainly emphasise the under 21s while other countries look at all youth age groups more.

Spain are on example but as I said their record at senior record is not consistent with success at youth level. Italy won 5 of 7 Euro under 21s titles from 1990 to 2004. I am sure this did help them win WC 2006. It's complex. The main thing is to make that transition.

Having said all that the under 17 world cup is currently on. We are in the last 16 - one of only 4 euro countries to get through. We topped our group above Brazil.

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posted Aug 28, 2007

oh yeah and Germany have never won the Euro under 21 champs....

I am not sure winning at youth level is too important. Playing well and developing is and making the effective and progressive transition into the senior team.

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posted Aug 28, 2007

I did not realise that we are in the last 16 of the Under 17 World Cup, that is a positive. It is true what you say that it is complex and just by changing the youth policy would not guarantee improvement in the Senior Team. However it is a factor for certain, along with the Manager and even culture plays a part. You could argue that…………. Italy win because they know how to defend, Germany win because they know how to play as a team, Brazil win because they are the best technically, France win well because of Zinedine Zidane, Argentina win because of Maradona and they now how to cheat. But as for the rest of us we are all strong in some aspects but never as good as these other teams, which is why we continually fail.

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posted Aug 28, 2007

I agree there is no simple or standard recipe for success. The countries that do best are possibly those that understand themselves and their own recipe and they make themselves as good as is possible at that and concentrate on that method through all levels so the players move into it seamlessly with the senior team the peak and end product. We seem to not know our way and constantly as a nation bicker over it. Our chop and change approach and media do not help

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posted Aug 28, 2007

comment by cs15hammer
posted 10 Hours Ago

>>Yes I think we do fast track players into the senior team sometimes which longer term could cause problems and be premature. But I am sure other countries do this too with 19 year olds etc. Wasn't Messi ?

=================

I agree with this. Latest example is Michah Richards. He looks like he's the real thing, but I hope that he gets brought along gently rather than being instantly thrust into a starting (starring) role with too much expectation. I guess it all depends on G. Neville's fitness (if Richards is to play at RB) or SMc's whims (if he's to play at CB). Perhaps more time with the U21?

As for Messi, he'd won the U20 WC prior to being brought in to the senior squad, so that presumably counted for something in the decision.

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posted Sep 1, 2007

the best teams have done so well consistently because they have had players with with very good technique and tactical awareness which helps them to "gel" as a team, but also the mental strength to not allow their technique and tactical awareness to wilt in the biggest games. This was the difference between france and say germany/brazil for a long time.

over the years the best teams have also played different styles, depending on just how good the players were at the time and outside off-field factors which sometimes don't let a team gel well.

there is no set formula whatsoever that carries through.

PS. beckham is crap and the scourge of english football.

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posted Sep 5, 2007

Rubbish

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posted Sep 5, 2007

what day is trash collection over your way?

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posted Sep 5, 2007

well said, but the english captain made a blunder: he said, quote: we didn't deserve to lose.

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posted Sep 6, 2007

Prediction:
1-0 to Israel, via another Robinson howler during a corner. England will constantly try to spit the ball on poor Heskey's head with McClaren slumped in the dugout, looking ever more like a dear in the headlights of a ten-tonne truck.

McClaren fired, Fabian Capello brought in to try to salvage anything from this campaign.

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