Month: May 2016

England’s Excuses Part Four: An English Manager

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After the so called failure of the experiment in appointing an foreign coach to the England manager post, The FA went full circle and did their best to interview solely British and particularly English candidates. After smarting from the soap opera that was Sven-Goran Eriksson’s reign they opted for the familiar after their first choice option said no.

 The Panenka looks at the role of the worst England boss since Graham Taylor as an excuse for England’s failings on the international scene, we are of course talking about Steve McClaren.
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Euro 2016 Team Preview: Republic of Ireland

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If one thing is for certain, it’s going to be a party for The Republic of Ireland at Euro 2016. Every time The Boys in Green make it to a major final sporting history is made. Whether it be beating Spain on penalties, defeating England or scoring a last minute equalizer, there will never be a dull moment. This Ireland team is capable of making their own history as positivity oozes from the squad.

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England’s Excuses Part Three: A Foreign Manager

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After the formation of The English Football Association in 1863, it is insane that the nation that gave the greatest sport to the world could not find a native, adequate enough at the art of coaching, to take charge of the national team in 2001.

 The Panenka looks at the outcome that having a foreign manager had on the already damaged psyche of the England team in the period between 2001 and 2006.

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England’s Excuses Part Two: “That” Red Card

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The second installment of ‘England’s Excuses’ takes a view on how England’s inability to keep 11 men on the pitch at the 1998 and 2006 World Cups cost them dearly.

In the knock-out phase of major tournaments with the sides set at 11 vs 11, England are usually set to play smart, cautious football and proceed to the latter stages without incident. Alas, there have been times at certain World Cups where the officials have been out to get the hard-working, honest England lads, or they have been subject to gamesmanship by those foreign nasties who deal in the dark arts of the modern game which the admirable and sincere Three Lions have never ever been privy to.

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