Written by Nigel Winterburn for 4sportsake.com – original article here.
The new England set-up is there for all to see now, and I for one am very pleased that Fabio Capello has brought in Stuart Pearce as his coach.
I go way back with Stuart, having competed against him many times as rival left backs, and also having played in the same West Ham squad as him during the latter stages of our respective careers too. And because I know him well, I know for a fact that Stuart Pearce is a natural born winner.
He does not like to lose, and has a very special and burning desire to win. It didn’t matter whether it was in training or in a match, it always meant a great deal to Stuart — and he always gave it his best. As a coach I am sure that he will impress that on the England team too and that could be just what this group of players needs.
In recent times we have not produced performances or results that have been good enough — and I am convinced that no one will want to turn that situation around more than Stuart Pearce. He won’t tolerate anything less than what he expected of himself — and that was a serious passion to win.
He’s an experienced manager and coach these days, but Stuart is also someone who commands respect having represented his country so many times as a player. I’m glad that Capello has recognised this, and given him the chance to be part of his regime. I don’t think he will regret it.
In terms of the first squad Capello has picked for the friendly against Switzerland, I am not really surprised by any of the exclusions. I don’t think David Beckham being left out is such a shock given he’s not been playing games, and I do not think the door has closed on him yet either. If he plays well for LA, I reckon Beckham will get that 100th cap, no problem.
As for the others I can’t imagine that Paul Robinson, Sol Campbell, Andrew Johnson, Jermain Defoe or Darren bent were that surprised themselves to be omitted. They haven’t been playing many matches between them, and they haven’t been at the top of their games either. There can be no real arguments from them I don’t think.
The inclusion of three Aston Villa players; Curtis Davies, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young was interesting. They are all in form and deserve the chance. That’s what I have liked most about Capello so far. It seems that he doesn’t care if you don’t play for one of the Big Four or not. It’s all about HOW you are playing and not WHO you play for.
This approach is different to Steve McClaren who seemed set in his ways when it came to selection. He always seemed to pick the same faces and that can create too much of a comfort zone. This clean slate, and the apparent desire to pick players on their club form rather than reputation should give the squad the shake-up it needs.
Places are up for grabs – and I am keen to see who steps up to the plate and takes them!
Written by Nigel Winterburn for 4sportsake.com – original article here.
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