England National Side is becoming Laughable; and here is why...

Most people who follow Fabio Capello's England National Team are becoming used to the 'drama' over the Captaincy, New Recruits, the Management and the frequently lifeless performances we have become accustomed to. What is it at the moment that is making the England set-up almost cringeworthy to follow and love?

England's performance against Wales was a decent one, certainly in the first 15 minutes. Darren Bent and Ashley Young drew praise from the likes of Terry Venables, as did Scott Parker, whose long absence in the England set up was rightly ended with a decent performance. Whilst we as England fans can enjoy things that occasionally go well, all too often the Media and Fans alike are debating what is wrong with our National Team. None more so than the recent Captaincy debacle and perhaps the need for new Management BEFORE the next major tournament.

We see an incredible amount of quality in the Premier League on a regular basis, from both the players involved in the England team as well as a host of others. The issue that is highlighted by many is the fact that we rarely see it when the players put on an England shirt.

Captaincy

When dealing with the tepid issue of the England captaincy, you can be sure that everyone has an opinion. Rio Ferdinand took the armband following revelations from John Terry's ever-complex private life. Whilst I did not necessarily agree with this decision (because of Rio Ferdinand's injury problems), I could get on board with it. At the time (Feb, 2010) Ferdinand had 78 caps for England; so it seemed a good choice. Last week's almost farcical U-turn from Fabio Capello has however shocked many. The Italian's decision to re-install John Terry as England Captain has caused controversy amongst the England fans in particular. 

I believe the decision really does make Capello's position even more volatile than it already was. Terry's inability to act as a positive role model has been clearly exemplified in recent times; which was the reason he was removed of his Captain's role in the first place. In my opinion, the issue of captaincy has not been correctly dealt with since David Beckham's role in the side. From 115 Caps, Beckham captained England 59 times; and since then the armband seems to have lost it's merit!

To add further insult to injury, Fabio Capello has dropped John Terry for England's match against Ghana on Tuesday night! After ALL of the attention this issues has raised, Capello has relieved John Terry of another International Cap and handed the armband to the un-influential Gareth Barry. To finish with the role of England Captain, it seems that their is little value left in the role. Whilst I do not have a figure to quote, their must have been so many different players who have worn the armband in the last 10 years. With the likes of Jack Wilshere (Undoubtedly England's hottest prospect for the future) and Scott Parker (enduring a rich vein of form at West Ham) involved in the squad, I cannot understand why Gareth Barry has been given the armband. Yes, I am a Villa fan but not a bitter one. Barry simply has so little influence on a game it is difficult to see how he can have an influence on a   squad of International Football Players.

Gareth Barry will Captain England in yet another pointless Friendly at Wembley. Photo: Guardian.

Management

Fabio Capello has made so many trivial mistakes during his reign as England Manager it is difficult to know where to start. The FA remain in a position where they are essentially being held to ransom, given the £6m a year Capello is costing them. If The FA were to relieve Capello of his England duties they would have to pay off his contract (due to end after Euro 2012). The problem however is that in this case England will be heading into ANOTHER major tournament with the at time 'inept' Fabio Capello at the helm. 

It may be wishful thinking, but I (as many others are) am almost certain that Harry Redknapp will take over the England job at the end of 2012. I like to think that he will completely rebuild the England side by getting rid of any 'deadwood' and bringing in the young and exciting prospects which will take us into World Cup 2014. I also like to think that unlike his Italian counterpart, Redknapp may not bow to public pressure and make some decisions with some conviction and ruthlessness. 

To finish...

England friendly against Ghana on Tuesday night represents just another utterly pointless exercise being used to pay towards the cost of Wembley Stadium. Whilst some do see these friendly exercises as helpful, others see it as an England 'B' match consisting of so many fringe players. Ghana will provide much sturdier opposition than the 116th-ranked Wales side. With the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole and Michael Dawson being sent home, England's side at Wembley is sure to be an inexperienced one. 

I may have the match on in the background, but such farcical decisions and uninspiring football from the England team of late means even as an England fanatic, I will be biting my tongue. The recent changes in Formation and system are certainly something to get excited about, as we are showing signs of development. Meanwhile, Ghana (and their reported 20,000 fans) will be buzzing at the prospect of defeating a young England B-Team on their own turf. I would say tomorrow night makes for interesting viewing, but it just does not!

DH