England, France & Italy: Impotent Powerhouses

While there were questions about their world cup readiness, only a few doubted that England, France, and Italy would qualify from their respective groups comfortably. As it stands, though, all three world cup regulars are facing tough games ahead of them, since only wins guarantee their progression to the next round (even though France needs a favorable result in the other group A game). Only making this task more difficult is the fact that all three teams are facing turmoil outside the lines. Achieving the desired result in this world cup is proving hard enough, so will the squabbles that were once reserved for the Dutch dictate a premature end to these traditional world cup powers?

England

On the Pitch

There were a number of difficulties facing the England team long before the start of the world cup. For one thing, there were questions about Rooney’s potential partner up-front. So far, Heskey has gotten the nod in both games, but apart from claiming an assist in Gerrard’s goal against the US, the Villa striker has been rather innocuous. The problem is that England doesn’t really have any other reliable options. While Crouch has an enviable scoring record for his country, he spends most of the game wandering aimlessly, and Defoe has never been able to replicate his club form when playing for his nation. Another problem facing the English is their lack of width. This isn’t really a surprise given the fact that Gerrard is back playing on the left side of midfield, now that Barry is fit. For all his talent, the England captain has never been able to play to his ability as a winger. England’s injuries have also created problems at the back. The three lions suffered a huge blow losing Rio Ferdinand, and King’s (predicted) physical ailments are only adding to England’s already shaky defense.

Off the Pitch

When he took over as England manager, Capello was regarded as a savior. His austere manner was perceived as the remedy to the brashness that pervaded the team, and subordinated the necessary “team first” attitude. That may have been the case had England started the world cup on the right foot, but unfortunately that isn’t the case, and as a result players are seeking a different, softer, and more personable side to Cappelo - one, which the Italian doesn’t seem to have. There had been warning signs of Capello’s inability to be simpatico. When the whole Terry – Bridge saga erupted, the Italian left the cleaning duties to his second in command, and according to reports, never even approached the participating players about the regrettable event. Now, as self-doubt, and ill feeling diffuse through the England camp, there are reports that Capello doesn’t even acknowledge the players outside of practice, apparently walking by them without even uttering an hello. Additionally, there is a lot of unrest surrounding his line-up policy (Capello will only announce his starting eleven two hours before kick-off). The players have already aired out their grievances in a team meeting, but with the likes of Terry publicly calling for line-up changes, the Three Lions could find taking the thorn out of their foot a little hard.

France

On the Pitch

Zinedine Zidane has declared that the French play like isolated individuals who lack direction, and more importantly, have a coach who is incapable of giving them any. Fellow world cup winner, and now New Yorker, Yuri Djorkaeff, reportedly refuses to support the team out of embarrassment (rumor has it he recently declined an invitation to watch the game at a Francophile bar for that reason). Given that both men led France to its football zenith, it would be silly to disagree with their assessment of the team. It’s amazing how a team comprised of so many world-class players can do so poorly, especially against inferior opposition. The team’s main problem is its lack of offense. Much maligned Domenech has employed Anelka as an isolated striker, supported by three attacking midfielders. Anelka, however, isn’t a box striker, and he refuses to fill that role, and as a result, players like Ribery don’t have a forward they can play off of effectively. The team also lacks a player who can take control of the game. For all his talent, Ribery is a winger, and wingers are usually the beneficiaries of good midfield play, and not the ones who pull the strings. Bordeaux man, Gourcuff, was supposed to be the team’s Zizou this year, but apparently some players on the team requested Domenech bench him.

Off the Pitch

Anelka’s refusal to adapt his game to the team’s strategy is what allegedly led to his argument with Domenech, which consequently landed him on a plane back to France. His dismissal has prompted an all-out mutiny in the French camp, “captained” by Patrice Evra who is far more concerned with the supposed “traitor” who leaked the argument to the media, instead of focusing on reconciling differences, and patching up the ever-growing team fissures. The players’ refusal to practice two days before the team’s final group game is living proof that hostilities will not be overcome.

Italy

On the Pitch

Marchetti looks on in disbelief as the Kiwis strike first (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Like the French, the Italians are lacking a defined strategy. The Italian defense is far weaker than it’s ever been, their midfield looks about as creative as white rice, and their offensive play relies on unconvincing, and inconsistent forwards. You know you’re in trouble when your best defender is a 37 year old who’s coming off a less than stellar season, and is heading for the Middle-Eastern football grave. It’s also abundantly clear that the Azzuri cannot function without Pilro. The Milan playmaker dictates the Italian game, and is the link between Italy’s infamous defensive midfield and the attack. If Pilro’s calf does not improve quickly, there is little chance the Italians will move beyond the next round.