THE EDITOR, Madam:
Many of us who in our late 40s and early 50s were around when England won there first FIFA World Cup. Many have supported the team, nevertheless, and are hoping that one day they will win world and bring pride and joy to the people of England and the entire United Kingdom.
It’s is my opinion that this will not happen in my lifetime. Many persons will see my views as pessimistic and one underestimating the England football team. In my opinion, the women’s team has a better chance of winning the world championship than the men at winning the World Cup.
I am of the view that the constant bias from the press towards players over the years and which proclaim that they are the stars or, should I say, hype around some players who are not world-class. This is the main reason why England won’t have a chance to win the title.
Compared to France, Italy, Germany and Spain, to name a few European countries, some of these ‘media stars’ are ordinary players and can’t make some of these top countries’ teams.
These pundits and media in England may be the the main reason why this team will continue to crumble at big tournaments and come home as failures.
The hype around the Premier League (EPL), that it’s the best league in the world, should have been producing better players, winning more trophies around the world, compared to a country like France who has one of the ‘weakest leagues’ in Europe. Unlike England’s players who believe that the EPL is the best league, players from France, Germany, Italy are willing to spread their wings and play in top-flight leagues and come back to represent their national team.
The question can be asked, if the EPL is the best league in the world and has some of the best players and most of England players are playing, why is it that we aren’t seeing more champion league titles from England? Why aren’t we seeing more World Cup titles being won by England? Why are there only a few England players being sought after by clubs like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich, etc?
I think most of these players aren’t world-class, the media is the one who is making these players into superstars. If you look at players from Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, Italy, which one of this England starting eleven can play against them?
RASHFORD DINHAM