Lineker went to Spain to see how they had turned around their own misfortunes.  It’s difficult to see how, now they are currently European & World Champions but before this latest wave of success, Spain had an even worse record than England for underachieving in the big competitions.

Comparisons were drawn to the way La Liga attracted some of the best players in the world in the 1980’s while ignoring the importance of nurturing home-grown Spanish talent.  Gary Lineker himself was a success at Barcelona, as was English manager Terry Venables; and though Spain have only conquered Europe and the rest of the world in the past four years, it was a revolution that allegedly started when Dutch maestro and former player, Johan Cruyff, returned to manage Barcelona in 1988.

Cruyff stated that the national side would be perennial underachievers if the top teams in La Liga continued looking to foreign players for short-term success. Cruyff’s model was to produce better quality indigenous players by a matter of inclusion and focus on a longer term strategy that started at grassroots and ended with national success.  This coupled with the fact that when boys are coached to play football at an early age, they should be learning the skill of playing with the ball, not simply competing to win.  A criticism levelled at English football.

Jurgen Klinsmann kick-started a German revolution after replacing Rudi Voller as manager of Germany in 2004.  Klinsmann initially attracted criticism from some quarters with some poor results leading up to the 2006 World Cup.  He had axed many aging stars and attempted to change the way Germany play.  He wanted Germany to be less rigid, offensive and less constrictive in their play.  For change to take place Klinsmann, like Cruyff at Barcelona, needed to think long term and have the backing of the German FA to see it through.

England wasn’t the only nation to have a poor World Cup in South Africa.  Italy and France had shockers too.  But England’s last and only glory was 44 years ago now; and the England crisis is far deeper than other nations.

While English Premier League teams continue to enjoy European Champions League success the England national team have become worse.  So, as Jose Mourinho said, look at the clubs that have done well in Europe over the past few years (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool & Manchester United) and count their English players.  That is definitely a factor in England’s demise.  But England was failing to qualify for the World Cup and European Championship finals long before the Premier League and English football was filled with top foreign players.

Another cause for England’s poor standing in European and world football is a more entrenched problem.  Boys are told to compete and win over learning to be skilful. I left secondary education in 1981 and I remember way back then we were being told the reason every Dutch football player looks so comfortable and skilful on the ball, is because he is; and England players hoof the ball around and get the ball into the opponents’ penalty area as quickly as possible because that’s what they are taught to do from an early age.

Italy and France relied on past glory and older players, and England juggled unrealistic hope and expectation once again.  All were found out in South Africa, while Spain and Germany, along with Holland, were the best and most exciting teams in the World Cup finals.

Tonight England host Montenegro in a Euro 2012 qualifying game at Wembley.  Look at their squad and ask yourself, how many of those players would get into the Spanish or German starting eleven?

Will England win the next World Cup?

The short answer to ‘will England win the next World Cup?’ is definitely not. Furthermore, they won’t win it again until these deep-rooted problems are addressed; and that can only be achieved with a long term plan and strategy in place. By appointing Sven Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, the English FA has put its head in the sand and attempted to buy the World Cup in the same way as the Premier League buy the best players in the world. So, the only thing England fans can do right now is be grateful they’re not Scotland!

Brunt was particularly impressive in the Baggies’ recent shock 3-2 win away at Arsenal. In that game, Brunt provided one assist and created a total of three chances while he also made 42 passes, more than any of his team-mates.

In that contest, he rarely strayed from the right wing, while in Northern Ireland’s recent win over Slovenia in their opening 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying game, he also switched to the left but could only manage to provide one goal-scoring chance for a team-mate. However, if the schemer can star to recreate his current club form in the green jersey of his national side, Nigel Worthington’s men could seriously trouble Italy on the 8th.

Corey Evans, brother of Manchester United’s Jonny, can’t wait for the game although it he is not sure to start. But that will not bother the youngster so long as he has a chance to come on as sub, after scoring the winner with his first touch after being introduced in Northern Ireland’s  Euro 2012 opener against Slovenia.

It seems England are not the only international team struggling with goalkeeping problems, Italy, having to find a replacement for the injured Gigi Buffon have yet to settle on a first choice goalkeeper. Both Bologna’s Emilio Viviano and Palermo’s Salvatore Sirigu have played a game each so far in the Italian’s Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Sirigu was given the nod by manager Cesare Prandelli for Italy’s opening fixture away to Estonia. However, the 23-year-old was at fault for the home side’s goal (the game ended 2-1 to Italy) and was duly replaced with Bologna’s Emiliano Viviano for the next fixture against the Faroe Islands, with the towering ‘keeper enjoying a predictably easy game, making just one save in the Azzurri’s 5-0 rout.

In domestic football, Parma’s Antonio Mirante, who has been called up to the Italian squad for the upcoming set of games, has impressed with a 78% saves to shots rate, a figure which betters Sirigu’s 73% rate and equals that of Viviano. Interestingly, Milan’s experienced ‘keeper Christian Abbiati has himself posted superior saves to shots figures (83%) to all three current Italian squad members, giving Prandelli yet another possible option between the posts as the campaign develops.

Castrol Performance verdict:
N.Ireland 21%
Italy     48%
Draw      31%

The likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Fernando Torres and Lionel Messi failed to deliver on the biggest stage of all, though it’s worth noting the close attention Messi received that stopped him and that Torres was not match fit.  France, Italy and England above all other nations had a shocking World Cup and should all learn from Germany who gambled with a more youthful team.

The final was not a goal fest but I personally really enjoyed it.  Yes 4-3 would have been more exciting but apart from Holland’s bully-boy tactics, the match was brimming with attacking world class talent. Snyder, Robben and Van Persie for the Netherlands and Iniesta, Xavi and Villa for Spain.  The match was like a game of chess, each team attempting to outwit the opponent and building up play rather than toe-punting the ball around like headless English chickens.

As with each major football tournament where some players fail to deliver, a star or two are born.  Mezut Ouzil who apparently was courted by Manchester United before he signed to German club Werder Bremen in 2008 was as good as anyone in the 2010 World Cup and was unheard of outside Germany before the tournament began.  They will be lucky to hold on to him and resist the big money offers.  By contrast, David Villa had been touted as a world class striker for the past few seasons but he chose the World Cup stage to deliver.  No doubt Barcelona was very pleased to complete the signing before he scored five goals to share the Golden Boot.

I was surprised to see both Argentina and Brazil lose to Germany and Holland respectively at the quarter-final stage and am sure both countries will do better and be led by new managers at the next World Cup which is to be held in Brazil.

So by way of a 2010 South Africa World Cup roundup, here are a few awards:

My favourite goal of the World Cup was Giovanni Van Bronckhorst long range thunderbolt for Holland against Uruguay.

Best players of the tournament: David Villa, Diego Forlan, Wes Snyder, Mezut Ouzil & Andres Iniesta

Most surprising team performance: Ghana & Germany

Most underused commentary: “that was a great touch by Wayne Rooney”

Best team: Spain

And finally, here’s my 2010 World Cup XI

Goalkeeper: Castillas (Spain)

Defenders: Lahm (Germany), Lucio (Brazil), Puyol (Spain), Van Bronckhorst (Holland)

Midfield: Van Bommel (Holland), Ouzil (Germany), Iniesta (Spain), Snyder (Holland)

Forwards: Villa (Spain), Suarez (Uruguay), Robben (Holland)

A shock 1-0 defeat to Switzerland sees Spain being the only seeded team to lose their opening match, though Italy and England gave less than convincing performances in their 1-1 draws with Paraguay and the USA respectively.

Brazil spluttered past North Korea while Argentina made hard work of beating Nigeria 1-0; and the most boring game of the six days so far was most definitely Ivory Coast 0 Portugal 0.

Nobody fancied Germany before they kicked off.  But after a 4-0 thrashing of Australia they are the only team that have decided to go for it from the outset.  Never one to dismiss Germany, I was pleasantly surprised in how they played ‘the beautiful game’ instead of offering a methodical utilitarian approach to winning a match.

So with South Africa beginning the second round of matches tonight, against Uruguay, they have the chance to top Group 1 and possibly seal their place in the knock-out stages.

In a pre-World Cup Finals article I suggested the following nations would qualify from each group:

Group A: Mexico to win, South Africa – runners-up
Group B: Argentina to win, Nigeria – runners-up
Group C: England to win, USA – runners-up
Group D: Germany to win, Serbia – runners-up
Group E: Holland to win, Denmark – runners-up
Group F: Italy to win, Paraguay – runners-up
Group G: Brazil to win, Ivory Coast – runners- up
Group H: Spain to win, Chile – runners-up

I am sticking by my original predictions though Spain are going to have to have a plan b if they are going to progress.

In the final game of the first round of the group stages in the Fifa Confederations cup, World champions Italy took on the USA in South Africa last night. Surprisingly, it was USA who had most of the early possession in the game, looking comfortable enough to take the game to Italy, although both teams squandered good chances to take the lead.

Italy found it difficult to live up to their world champions tag, but when Clark was sent of for an over zealous tackle on Gattuso, you felt that the Italian’s would take control of the game. When USA defender Bornstein turned the ball into his own net immediately after the sending off, it appeared that Italy had indeed turned the tide, but the ‘goal’ was ruled out as an Italian player was in an offside position.

With five minutes to half time, USA were awarded a penalty when Chiellini brought down Altidore and Donavon converted to give the US a well deserved lead. The second half continued in the same vein, with USA looking the brighter of the sides and Italy looking rather short of ideas.

The introduction of Rossi for Italy around the hour mark will be seen as  a master stroke from Italian boss Lippi, the former Manchester United striker immediately making an impact with a stonking left foot shot that left Howard no chance. The pace of Rossi gave a new dimension to the Italian game and as the legs of ten  man USA tired, the Italians took the lead through another long range effort, this time from De Rossi.

Even then, as Italy played their boring keep ball to see out time, USA went close to grabbing an equaliser through Davies, before Pirlo found Rossi who sealed the game with another well taken goal on the half volley.

I was impressed with the attitude shown by the US who play to their limited strengths, but Italy, despite a bright final twenty minutes, really did nothing to convince me that they are worthy world champions.  The introduction of Rossi gave Italy some much needed pace in what must be the slowest international team around. I do look forward to seeing more of the young American born striker Giuseppe Rossi, now playing in Spain for Villareal, who reminded me a lot of England’s Joe Cole.

The 42 year old Italian replaces Alan Curbishley at Upton Park who resigned over ‘interference’ from the West Ham board room.

Most recently Zola has been working as assistant coach with the Italian under 21 side with Pierluigi Casiraghi, who was initially expected to join Zola at the Hammers. Despite the relationship they have Casiraghi has opted to stay in Italy and continue his work there.

Chelsea assistant coach Steve Clarke has been earmarked by Zola and Clarke is keen to join his former team mate, but Chelsea have refused to accept his resignation  and will not allow West Ham to talk with him.

Chelsea confirmed this was indeed the situation but would only add that talks with Clarke are ongoing. Clarke has spent twenty years at Stamford Bridge and is a firm favourite with the fans as well as commanding respect from his peers within the game.

Holland 3 Italy 0 was the shock result of Euro 2008, so far.

It wasn’t quite the’total football’ of the 1980’s when Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and current Holland manager, Marco Van Basten ruled European football, but this was the kind of game the Euro 2008 finals needed; and the kind of performance that Holland have so often failed to deliver in the past.

The game lived up to high expectations and fortunately so, after the boring France v Romania 0-0 affair early in the evening.

Holland were very lucky to be awarded their first goal as Ruud Van Nistlerooy was miles offside.  What was the referee’s assistant thinking of?  But the second and third goals were truly sublime and gave the Italians no reason to grumble about the decision.

Holland must fancy their chances to qualify from Group C – ‘the group of death’ right now.

The current European champions Greece take on Sweden in the early evening kick-off tomorrow.  But I’m hoping Spain v Russia will be another firecracker with plenty more goals.

I don’t expect you to be too surprised that I have predicted the results of all four games thus far, as all have gone according to plan, though I must confess to being surprised by the way both Switizerland and Austria battled their way through their opening matches to lose by a single goal to Czech Republic and Croatia, respectively.

The Portugal v Turkey game was the best so far.  Portugal were up against a well balanced team who possibly surprised them by coming out to attack, rather than defending cautiously. But Ronaldo hit the post in the first half with a cracking free kick and then took centre stage in the second half, as he was moved into the striker/captain role.

Potugal were too good for Turkey, though they will cause problems for Switzerland and Czech Republic.

So tonight, who will be victorious in the ‘group of death?’ I think France should be too strong for Romania and take all three points.  France, Italy and Holland are among the favourites to win the tournament, so each of them will be looking to gain three points from Romania.

As for Italy v Holland, this one is a tight call, and a draw looks the most likely outcome.

Of the games so far, Germany look well disciplined, as did Croatia.  But both looked better in defence because of weak opposition.  Croatia most defintely missed the injured Arsenal striker, Eduardo; while Germany’s central defenders both looked slightly off the pace.

Hopefully we will see lots of goals tonight and two open, exciting games of football as the colour of the Euro 2008 Championships comes to life.

But the most exciting news has to be that the legendary Danny Baker returns to the 6-0-6 phone-in show for the duration of the Euro 2008 on Radio Five Live.  Surely Danny cannot be sacked for a third time!

It promises to be an exciting and possibly very open championships as there are a few teams that are certainly good enough to win the competition, this time round. France, Spain, Holland, Italy and my outside bet, Russia are all potential winners. Though one thing is for sure the co-hosts, Switzerland and Austria have absolutely no chance.

The ‘group of death’ – there’s always one, has to be Group C. With France, Italy and Holland (Netherlands) joined by Romania. Considering Romania finished top of their qualifying group, there could be two of the critics favourites not even making the second round!

I’m betting on Russia or Spain to win Euro 2008 and Fernando Torres or Ruud Van Nistlerooy for the Golden Boot.

So, who do you think will win Euro 2008 and who do you think will win the Golden Boot?

See the complete list of Euro 2008 fixtures and times.

He attacks the four UEFA Champions League teams representing Italy this year. Lazio continue to fight with financial survival and Roma are his pick of the bunch, with their Italian midfielders Francesco Totti, Simone Perrotta and Daniele De Rossi, all world champions, he writes proudly.

But Milan are an “old team full of old glories [...] old Italians like Paolo Maldini and young Brazilians such as Kaka and Pato.”

Everybody knows Milan are past their prime and the team needs to be rebuilt.  And then come Inter Milan, or Internazionale they are know in Italy. He decries the fact that they are the Italian League Champions though they regularly only field one Italian, the fiery Marco Materazzi – a man often associated with red cards and that insult to  Zinedine Zidane.

He likens Inter Milan to teams like Arsenal, full of foreign players that have helped to change the way the team plays, and in the process watered down national football identity.

We are having country versus club debates in this country which are similar to Santevecchi’s argument.  Foreign players have unquestionable changed the Premiership.  Their skill and abilities on and with the ball are a true pleasure to watch.  But the unnecessary cheating and diving is rightly blamed on the foreign imports to our game.

No longer can players like Robbie Savage defend at all costs in the same way as Norman Hunter, Nobby Stiles and Tommy Smith have in past times.  The aggressive side of the English game has been replaced by a nibble-toed, non-contact sport that is more akin to European football styles because it is being played at the top Premiership teams by European and South American players more than English players.

But the main concern is whereas all four top teams in England have made it through to the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League, when the few English players from Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are picked to play together for England, without their foreign team mates, the transition, considering their quality, is poorer than ever before.

While the England national football team suffers our clubs and top league are at their most powerful and successful.  Italy is the World Champions but look like their club football is in disarray and in need of some national spirit and pride.