2 of 2

Write now Article Tools

England sprung something of a surprise when they appointed wily old Italian coach Fabio Capello as their new manager, in December 2007. No-one doubted Capello's managerial pedigree. This is the man, after all, who had achieved huge success with AC Milan and latterly with the mighty Real Madrid. However, he had no experience of working in England and didn't speak much English.

It was with great interest, therefore, that the assembled media and fans waited to see what tactical changes he might make to the underachieving English team. It's still very early days but, in his first two games in charge, he's elected to play a 4-4-1-1 formation. This, itself, is not that surprising or controversial. It's a formation that many top teams employ, where you have a lone striker leading the line, with another forward tucked in behind them to probe for openings.

What has been surprising, however, has been his decision to have Man Utd's Wayne Rooney as the lone striker. Almost everyone who knows English football and knows Rooney would agree that Rooney is at his best when he's given a licence to roam and when he can play off another striker. Playing him as the main target man reduces his effectiveness and England (and Rooney) have consequently looked fairly subdued.

For this reason, I think it must be concluded that Capello has got his choice of playing personnel wrong. It does not follow that he's got his tactics wrong. Put Michael Owen, Peter Crouch or Jermain Defoe as the main striker and play Rooney behind them, and there's every likelihood that England will spark. This will also enable England's other truly world class player, Steven Gerrard, to play in the centre of midfield which is his best position.

I feel that Capello will come to this realization. He is not stupid and the friendly matches may just have been a way for him to experiment. When it comes to the serious qualifying matches, there's every likelihood that we'll see all England's best players playing in their preferred positions. It remains to be seen, however, if he can inspire better performances out of England's players than his recent predecessors have. Sometimes, in football, it's not so much about the formations but rather about the appetite and mental toughness of the players. There's many who would argue that England are inferior in these respects when compared to some of their main international rivalries, such as Capello's compatriots, Italy.

Learn more about this author, Simon Wright.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Soccer: Has Capello got his tactics wrong with England??
We want to hear your view. Write now!