The English striker’s controversial goal against West Germany in the 1966 FIFA World Cup final at Wembley still gives them kick, but sadly doesn’t inspire their footballers anymore to emulate their team's only World Cup triumph.
England’s 1966 World Cup victory is just a piece of memory which the Englishmen flip through the pages after every four years, and they still hope their football teams will emulate Bobby Moore and company.
But those who understand the game and have followed English football post 70, would agree the ‘Summer of 66’ was a ‘fluke’ as all their past teams had struggled at the successive World Cups.
Even the Indians, who are so much influenced by ‘Made in England’, have never been a die-hard fan of their past colonial masters, who had taught them football.
Not just the Indians, everybody who even possess the slightest knowledge on their sport had never put their money on them at any of the quadrennial competition, not even when Gary Linekar and David Beckham played.
England remain a gross underachiever at the sport’s biggest stage -- like the South African cricket team.
Though Gareth Southgate’s young side showed promise against Tunisia last Monday, still there’s a long way to go in Russia.
Southgate adopted a modern formation with a three-man backline, quick-witted wingbacks and more flair in midfield. But the win against Tunisia was underlined by a set-piece model.
The Three Lions will have it easy against Panama unless there’s any shocker waiting for them.
However, the real test would be against Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard’s Belgium on June 28.
The entire world watches their league, but not their national team -- the likes of Kane, Lingard, Alli are good players, but definitely not the best.
Most coaches always felt that none of the clubs does enough grass root work as they would travel to Latin America or Africa to buy talent.
Can anyone give a count of their players in any of the European leagues? The likes of Beckham or Wayne Rooney travelled to the US post their prime, and MLS is one of the best competitions.
So, you’re left with the Kanes and Lingards who win accolades at home but the day English footballers leave their comfort zone and play in other parts of Europe, they will become better. www.khelupdates.com
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