Granted, things feel and are bad, but it was ever thus, so why dwell on it?
Pessimism amongst England fans is entirely appropriate in the wake of one massively disappointing performance and two massively disappointing results. But initially cathartic as ubiquitous pessimism is, eventually, dwelling on defeat becomes not only dull, but unhealthy. This England team, technically, still has as equal a chance of winning the World Cup [...]

It is difficult to find anything positive to talk about when discussing the current state of the England camp. Following their disastrous 0-0 draw against Algeria on Friday, media and fans alike, me included, have been berating the players and manager on what may prove to be, the defining moment in another [...]

We talked about it again and again and again. I could barely bring myself to watch Manchester United matches, as I spent the whole time worrying myself sick about the health of this one man. When he did injure himself, I obsessively checked the BBC for news about the prognosis. In the last few weeks [...]

So, that was painful. I haven’t found an England match so much like a painful chore to watch since the Steve McLaren era. Not helped by the fact that everyone else seemed to have stepped up a gear over the last few days.
We were dispiritingly poor. After the glee I had taken from some [...]

Being in my middle-50’s, I consider myself to have seen quite a lot in my years of being a football fan. I have played the game and also coached occasionally, and recently started to write about what I see. As a passionate England fan, and being of my generation, [...]

After a thoroughly disappointing performance, console yourself by having a nice chat down with me and Ethan. I promise not to judge if you cry.
England-Algeria Post Match Chat

Please, Mr Capello, give me a chance.
Anticipation turned in one instant to disappointment last Saturday when Robert Green fumbled the ball into his net. Exposed in the harshest manner possible were the one-chance realities of World Cup football. This morning’s whisperings that David James will replace Green against Algeria would see a relatively logical conclusion to another England calamity – once we move [...]

24 hours from now and England will have kicked off against Algeria, so time for some final thoughts before the game.
Capello as usual is giving away very little in terms of who makes the team, though he has said he’s decided. He’s said Barry will play though, which presumably sticks Gerrard wide left and [...]

 
Number nines like Owen are being usurped by the likes of Heskey: Milito, Huntelaar, Gignac and Pazzini started on the bench for their teams. 
Holland, Brazil, Portugal, Cote D’Ivoire, Uruguay, France, Argentina, Italy and England have seven goals between them so far in South Africa, in spite of extended spells in possession: compelling evidence that containing tactics are outmanoeuvring attacking [...]

England continue their journey through Group C of the 2010 World Cup on Friday with their second match against the North African nation of Algeria at Green Point Stadium in Capetown, South Africa. Following England’s disappointing 1-1 draw with the USA last Saturday, the pressure cooker of expectations from the English [...]