England Expects

As England prepare for their next World Cup Group 6 Qualifier against Austria at Old Trafford on Saturday 6th October, many observers feel that they would be wise to consider the lessons of Windsor Park, and the humiliating defeat against Northern Ireland.

For the Irish (population about 1.5 million) it was only their 7th victory against England (population over 50 million) in 98 matches, and the first for more than 30 years – thanks to a 74th minute winner by David Healy of Peterborough United.

So how did Northern Ireland, a side with a smattering of Premiership experience, do it? Rodney Marsh was characteristically blunt in an assessment which many would endorse. Sven, he claimed, was “outcoached” by Irish boss Lawrie Sanchez, an international rookie and a product of the illustrious Wimbledon FC School of Science.

It’s hard to argue with that, because despite loads of possession inept England scarcely created a chance (or ‘occasion’, as Sven calls them). The truth is, Northern Ireland had a game plan that they believed in, one which took account of the strengths and weaknesses of their players – whereas England, so far as one could tell, didn’t. And Northern Ireland had a manager who was passionate and committed, without ever losing his composure. England’s manager, it seemed, just had the composure.

So, coming from Sven Goran Eriksson, the verdict that England “lost their spirit” is deeply ironic. What spirit? The only England player to demonstrate any passion was Wayne Rooney, and having been banished to the sticks, his own spirit, perhaps understandably, quickly reached boiling point.

Alas, there will be no Rooney against Austria but if the lessons of Windsor Park are learned and full use is made of available players – Sol Campbell for instance - there may yet be a happy outcome in Manchester.

Given a little spirit from above.