Football in the firing line

As I write this, Steve McLaren is collecting his P45, but I don't really blame him for the mess that was last night's Croatia match. He came in having to deal with Sven's mess and sort the team out, a team of players / overpaid show ponies who play without drive or passion. There's only so much he could do short of putting his boots on and having a shot himself. Honestly, should he have been hired at all?

Now that the unthinkable has happened and England have the summer off, perhaps people will start to realise that the team aren't all they're made out to be. We've been spared the false hope that the press instill in us all before a major tournament 'it's England's year', 'it's our best chance ever'. Only for everyone to be disappointed when we don't get past the semis. They're really not that good, no matter what the papers say!

I have to admit that I'm one of those football fans shunned by die-hard England supporters, I care more about my club (Liverpool) and always will. Although I watch England, I'll never really be that bothered about how they do when it comes down to it.

And this is the problem, many people are loosing faith in England, because the players look like they are. The public's passion for the team needs to be revived but, before that, the quality of English players should be addressed. How is the team supposed to grow when young English players can hardly get a game because the clubs are too busy signing up foreign players?

Don't get me wrong, I'm aware that Liverpool is just as guilty and I wouldn't want to give up Kuyt or Alonso for anything, but I do agree that a cap on foreign players should be gradually introduced. Give English players a chance to improve their skills and give England managers the choice of a large, quailty squad, who can perform when it matters.

When it comes to the public, reducing ticket prices and getting families back to the matches would be a start. The sport is becoming elitist and when someone forks out their hard earned cash on an England ticket, they want results. The players are being paid enough to provide it!

In the meantime, my solution to the problem? Bring back the man we love to hate - Mourinho!!

Helen