World Cup

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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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 One: The Heat

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The Panenka’s series ‘England’s Excuses’ kicks off with a look at how hot weather prevented The Three Lions from recouping the World Cup in 1970.

When it comes to the English it is true that we love to talk about the weather and when it comes to football it appears that climate conditions have a big impact on the fortunes of the national team. In terms of using the weather as an excuse for failure, World Cup 1970 in Mexico springs to mind.

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Impact and Injury

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Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has suffered another knee injury that rules him out of the England squad for Euro 2016. Arsene Wenger revealed that the 22-year-old had “no chance” of being fit for the tournament having suffered a new problem that will sideline him for six to eight weeks.

The Panenka has made a quick review of the impact the former Southampton man has made since emerging a a 16-year-old talent at Saint Mary’s, as well the injures that have held back the robust winger from a promising career so far.

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Euro 2016 Team Preview: Russia

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As part of The Soviet Union, Russia won the inaugural European Championship in 1960 and went onto put in impressive performances thereafter finishing as runners-up in 1964, 1972 and 1988. Since the break up of The Soviet Union Russia have qualified for every tournament except Euro 2000. Their best performance occurred when a Guus Hiddink inspired Russia reached the Semi-finals in 2008.

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Paul Breitner: Rebel of The Left Wing

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Paul Breitner is World Cup winner, a five-time Bundesliga champion, a two-time La Liga champion and a European Cup winner. The full back is also part of an elite club involving players who have scored in two separate World Cup finals.

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The defender’s career has been drenched in controversy surrounding his political leanings but the nature of his profession has led him to be dubbed a poser and a fake as he continued his career and lifestyle as a professional footballer. This paradox has made Paul Breitner one of the most interesting footballers of the modern game.

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