England. Have They The Passion To Win In Croatia?

With a week of international football just passed, hopes were high for the home nations but England’s performance in Andorra this week raised more questions than it answered. With a new look midfield courtesy of Gerrard’s injury and Beckham’s form the hope was that Capello’s new look England would be able to “bomb on” and start the new campaign differently to the way they ended the last one.

For bomb however, read damp squib. It is too soon to judge the whole campaign, but it is clear to see how things are developing and what improvements can be made.

England have flattered to deceive under Capello so far, a disjointed performance at home to Switzerland, a defeat in France (who look a shadow of their former selves), regulation wins over a poor USA and an even poorer Trinidad and Tobago followed up with a disappointing performance if not result against the classy Czechs all pointing towards leaving us unsurprised by the insipid performance against a small town in northern Spain.

Meanwhile, whilst this was going on, England’s opponents on Wednesday, Croatia, were doing what they do best. Their slick passing, intelligent running and brave attacking play let them cruise to a 3-0 win. So confident are they of qualification, their fans were heard laughing loudly in the national stadium as news of England’s nil nil half time score in Barcelona filtered though.

England have a squad of players who want for nothing, who are treated as heroes and worshipped not just up and down England, but all over Europe. Against Croatia on Wednesday England will face 11 players not necessarily known Europe wide, who are heroes in their own country but who are still attached to their roots. Money has not yet affected the Croats adversely. Whilst many play overseas they retain a Croatian identity, the heart beat of the team is unmistakably red and white check. Something that seems to be missing from this crop of England players.

Can the England players match this passion and raise their game to that of their hosts? For too long now the football has not been the aspect of the England footballer’s life that is reported. They have a lot to learn if they are not to repeat the lessons of the last two matches against their group rivals. On Wednesday in Croatia, 11 Englishmen will have the opportunity to let their football do the talking, but will they take it? Or will it be the familiar sound of Croat voices that can once again be heard laughing longest and loudest?