Are good full backs a necessity in the modern game??

Last nights game involving Brazil and Chile showcased 3 of the best attaching full backs in the world; the strange thing being that they all played for Brazil (Daniel Alves was selected on the right of midfield to partner Maicon on Brazil’s right). On the left they have had Bastos who is looking really impressive after a very good first season with Lyon.

Before the world cup many of the pundits tipped the side with the best full backs to win the world cup. The recent tournaments have produced Thuram and Lizarazu for France, Cafu and Roberto Carlos for Brazil and Grosso and Zambrotta for Italy. The attacking flair these players possess along with their defensive attributes make them such pivotal members of successful sides. The Brazilians belief that the best technical players should play in this position is not entirely correct but something that the European sides should take note of in future tournaments. Their overlapping runs often contribute to goals and chances when the opposition defences become stretched.

It has been fantastic watching Maicon and Alves this season playing for the top 2 clubs in Europe and continuing their form on the world stage. Maicon is undeniably the best full back in the world and it is no wonder that Mourinho is desperate to take him to the Bernabeu. The emergence of Bastos has really made Brazil serious contenders and with those 2 assisting the likes of Fabiano, Kaka and Robinho it seems almost inevitable that Brazil will win their 6 title.

England found wanting.....again.....

Yesterdays encounter in Bloemfontein demonstrated everything that is wrong with English football. The lack of technical ability was really highlighted by the youthful German side that look like they could dominate International football over the next few years. Having trounced the England under 21s a year ago 4 players had progressed straight into the full side for this World Cup. Where is the next English player of any note coming from? In Neuer, Ozil, Khedira and Boateng the German’s possessed hungry young players who are desperate to repeat last year’s success on the biggest stage of all.

Once again every England player and fan is trying to blame anyone but themselves and Capello’s tenure as England’s manager will surely come to an end in the next few days. The FA will face a tough task proposing this job to anyone after the last 2 weeks. Why can they play in the Premier League so well and then play this poorly for England? The answer lies in the psychological make up of some of the players as well as the fact that they simply are not good enough. How can these players play at the top level when none of them can put their foot on the ball and pick a pass in the final third. Ozil already looks a more accomplished player than Gerrard and he is only 21.

If England are to improve many of the current players should make way for the younger players coming through. They need experience playing at this level and the European Qualifications should be a training exercise for the young players. Get Wilshire in the squads and let him train with Rooney etc so its not such a big jump in a few years. It is time for the likes of Ferdinand, Terry, Lampard, Gerrard and Barry to be put out to pasture. The supposed ‘Golden Generation’ have delivered nothing and have had their chance. It must be time to start from scratch, surely England will not get any worse??