Enough has been written of England’s disappointing – nay abject – nay disgraceful – showing at the World Cup. I didn’t expect much, but a hell of a lot more than one average performance against Slovenia and three other dreadful ones. As always we collapsed as soon as we faced a genuinely good side (speaking of which, how good is Ozil? Amazing) but this time not on penalties, and without a whimper. Yes Lampard’s goal of course should have stood, but 4-2 would have flattered us.

Why?

We have a good side – not a great one, but a good one – a proven manager, and an excellent qualifying campaign under our belts. But the tournament itself was a disaster. Strange selections (Carragher, King, SWP?) strange tactics (No Carrick in the first game), rigidity in formation (at least try Gerrard/Rooney), strange substitutions (Heskey for Defoe when we desperately needed goals) a disharmonious camp (John Terry) the persistence with injured and unfit players (King, Barry, Rooney) and the bizarre cheerleading figure of David Beckham. And for all that the blame must lie with Capello. Magnificent as his club record is, the buck stops with him.

The FA seem to think the same, and have announced there will be an announcement on his future in 2 weeks. This seems sensible, no knee-jerk reactions. And it seems this will coincide with a wholesale change in the English football structure.

Rumours abound this will include a Svengali figure monitoring the pyramid and development of players from the  bottom up. What we also need is a huge push on and for qualified coaches – we only have around 20,000 at the top FIFA level compared to 80,000 for France – and Germany, Holland and Spain all have more. Indeed the latter (if my memory serves) have around 180,000. No wonder England and our top clubs are importing coaches and managers from abroad.

Is Capello the man to lead us into this new dawn? Club and country management is radically different, and you are only as good as your last game. Which in Capello’s case, is fucking shit.

I’m no chest beating Englishman, but for a radical overhaul I would prefer a proven international manager who knows international and club football, and speaks bloody English. I don’t care if he (or she) is from our shores, but it baffles me when the English side is managed by someone who cannot communicate with the players. Thank God we didn’t get Scolari, his English is even worse than Don Fabio’s.

Plus it irritated me when he defended our performances – I thought it was a decidedly English characteristic to blindly laud ourselves – it appears he is guilty of equally rose tinted retrospect. We were rubbish.

I’m intrigued what the FA will do – I suspect offer Capello the chance to oversee the restructure. It will save them £12m after all. And I suspect he will accept. But I don’t think that’s the right way to go. How must they regret removing THAT clause just before the World Cup.

Also – if not Fabio, then who? He at least now has experience of managing a squad at a major international tournament, and that will hopefully stand him and us in good stead at Euro 2012. There are at least no worries about our ability to qualify.

What we want is a world class English coach. And that simply doesn’t exist. Fabio will in all likelihood continue – but it reeks of compromise.

This is also a watershed for the so called ‘Golden Generation’ that began with Michael Owen and David Beckham precociously lighting up World Cup ’98 and ended in ignominy for Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard as they crashed out to Germany. Owen and Beckham have probably already seen the last of international football – but what worth is there in persisting with Gerrard, Lampard, Ferdinand, Terry, Heskey, Barry, even Ashley Cole? They will all be too old for the next World Cup – Lampard is already 32. And the summary of their achievements are two quarter final defeats to Portugal. Oh for the salad days of Sven…

As well as a soup to nuts restructure the FA should also take this an opportunity to build a new England side, one that will get us to Euro 2012 and then be primed for WC 2014. Some of the current crop will be integral to that – Rooney, G Johnson, Joe Hart, perhaps Ashley Cole, Walcott and Lennon; then the likes of Adam Johnson, Tom Huddlestone, Jack Wilshere, Jonjo Shelvey, Connor Wickham, Fabian Delph and other young starlets should be accelerated. It may not pay dividends immediately but building a strong, stable squad that will stay together over the next four years and grow into a team must be the way forward.

Germany should be our paradigm. And hopefully we can find an Ozil.

So in all likelihood the full 23 man squad will include 3 goalies, 2 RB, 2 LB, 4 CB, 4 CM, 2 LW, 2 RW, 4 FWD. the provisional 30 man allows 7 maybes/possibles/tag alongs…

Keepers

Rob Green – Probably first choice

David James – Probably should be first choice

Joe Hart – Will be future first choice

Paul Robinson – Used to be first choice

Defenders

Ashley Cole – Best LB in the world, fit in plenty of time as we predicted

Leighton Baines – Best back up LB we have

Glen Johnson – The only good RB we have

Wes Brown – Versatile but injured, could miss out or be usurped by Gary Neville

Gary Neville – Could, errr, usurp Wes Brown

Jamie Carragher – Apparently being recalled. Bizarre as he is now shit.

Rio Ferdinand – Becoming increasingly injury prone but will go if fit

John Terry – Captain spastic

Matthew Upson – Terrible season but long term 3rd choice

Ledley King – If Capello decides he can play enough games he will go. Arguably our best CB

Midfielders

Steven Gerrard – Terrible season but a shoe in.

James Milner – Great season, may push for starting 11

Joe Cole – Has he done enough? A differential, and a few good games may have got him in

Frank Lampard – Amazing player, amazing season, second name on the teamsheet after Rooney

Gareth Barry – Injured but a unique player so will go

Theo Walcott – Pace makes him invaluable and Don Fabio has already said he will go

Aaron Lennon – Probably just ahead of Walcott on the right

Tom Huddlestone – Preferred to Carrick as the midfield ball retainer

Adam Johnson – Walcott 2006 style wildcard

Owen Hargreaves – May take the opportunity to look at his fitness

Forwards

Wayne Rooney – First name on the teamsheet

Jermaine Defoe – Dodgy end to the season but consistently first choice poacher

Emile Heskey – Rooney’s ideal foil. Old boring argument, we are better with him.

Peter Crouch – Unsure if he will go, alternative big man, chance to have a look at him

Darren Bent – Behind Defoe but may just sneak in

Carlton Cole – Other big man alternative, could push Crouch out

This will probably be hugely wrong. I will update with how wrong it actually is…

Adam Johnson put in a virtuoso Man of the Match performance as Man City beat Bolton 2-0 last night. He’s young, he’s English, and he’s good. Could he sneak into Fabio’s plans…?

Johnson started off in the hole and was then moved out right, where he terrorised Paul Robinson. He’s been doing it in the Championship this season (he was Boro’s top scorer before leaving) and has now proved he can do it in the Premier League (admittedly only in one game).

He’s certainly a talented lad, with two good, quick feet, vision, and finishing ability. Says Roberto Mancini:

He is a young player who wants to do well. He can play on both the left and the right and he can also play behind the main striker.

What will obviously stand out to England fans is his ability to play on the left, a perennial problem for the international side. Steven Gerrard is currently the man in possession with Joe Cole behind him – but Johnson is arguably already next in line, leapfrogging the likes of Stewart Downing and Ashley Young.

He is exciting and unpredictable as well, qualities severely lacking in the England side (Rooney and arguably Cole aside). Capello has spoken of his admiration for Johnson, but was initially against his move to Man City:

‘I like Johnson – but all these players have to play. At the moment Gibbs and Walcott are not playing.

‘You’ve seen what has happened to Joe Hart now he is playing at Birmingham. This year he has improved a lot because he plays.’

However, if Johnson continues to get game time at City and continues to play as well as he did last night, he’s in with a massive chance. After all, it’s not like the current England squad are making themselves undroppable or filling their manager with confidence (see here).

We’re putting our necks out here – Adam Johnson will be in Capello’s 23 for South Africa. And unlike the last young surprise inclusion Theo Walcott, he will play…

Now updated after the Ukraine and Belarus games (and some ‘interesting’ feedback) below is the squad we think Don Fabio should take to South Africa, with reason for inclusion – and exclusion…

Who should go…

Goalkeepers

David James – Has been first choice for a while now, and we are yet to find a better alternative

Rob Green – He is the closest we have to a better alternative. His sending off pushed him out of the reckoning.

Paul Robinson – He is the best option for third choice considering Ben Foster is actually shit

Defenders

Ashley Cole – Utter prick, arguably one of the best left backs in the world though

John Terry – Captain spastic. But ever-dependable as long as he can hold off the injuries.

Rio Ferdinand – A world class performer when he isn’t being merked by his back. Will re-find his form.

Joleon Lescott – Ridiculously overpriced but solid and provides an option at left back

Matthew Upson – Shows the paucity of good resources should Terry/Rio get injured. Woodgate breathing down his neck (when he can leave A&E)

Glen Johnson – Yes, has defensive frailties. But great going forward and allows England to play the system they do

Wes Brown – Solid. Plays for Man Utd. Another option in the centre.

Midfielders

Steven Gerrard – One of the best midfielders in the world

Frank Lampard – See above

Gareth Barry – A competent mopper upperer, if a little overrated

Owen Hargreaves – Should and would go if he can prove he isn’t made of glass. Potentially first choice right back. Huge question marks over his fitness.

Michael Carrick – Has yet to perform for England, and perhaps too similar to Barry. Most at risk.

Joe Cole – One of few players who can produce the unexpected. Has been great for Capello when he’s played. Needs a speedy recovery.

David Beckham – Can still change a game with a pass. Also has invaluable experience. And is fit.

Aaron Lennon – Genuine width, end product improving all the time. Terrifies defenders.

Theo Walcott – Incredible pace, that hat-trick, great against tiring defenders, can also play upfront

Forwards

Wayne Rooney – England’s talisman. Pray to God he doesn’t get injured. Our single most important player.

Emile Heskey – Performs an invaluable role and important to England’s style. Could do with more goals though. Needs to leave Villa to ensure he retains his place.

Jermaine Defoe – Until/unless Michael Owen proves his fitness, the best ‘pure’ goalscorer we have. Darren Bent threatening.

Peter Crouch – Another option from the bench, offers a bit of everything, if nothing special at any of them

Who shouldn’t go….

Goalkeepers

Ben Foster – He is actually shit, as proved by his recent mistake-ridden performances. Has done absolutely nothing to justify inclusion.

Joe Hart – His time might come. It isn’t now though.

Scott Carson – Has declined into forgotten anonymity

Chris Kirkland – Injuries have pushed him down the pecking order

Defenders

Jonathan Woodgate – One of our best, ability wise. But just too injury prone to rely on. If he stays fit all season then could displace Upson.

Wayne Bridge – Lescott can cover for Cole if necessary. As could Barry if we’re desperate. Also allegedly the best paid full back in the world, which he has to be resented for.

Gary Neville – Old and injured

Micah Richards – Regressing worryingly. Time may come though.

Gary Cahill - Unsure what all the fuss is about. Massive chav. Capello seems to like him though.

Curtis Davies – Stupid hair.

Luke Young – A Villa defender who’s not good enough.

Nicky Shorey – See above.

Stephen Warnock – See above.

Phil Jagielka – Again, a good season could push him into the reckoning but currently crocked

David Wheater – Don Fabio won’t pick anyone from the Championship. Wouldn’t get in if he were in the Premier League anyway.

Midfielders

James Milner – A Capello favourite, he will probably go, although we don’t want him to. Likely to replace Carrick. Versatility is a plus and can play left back, totally ruling Bridge out (a definite plus).

Ashley Young – Much as it pains me, he hasn’t done enough recently. Could change though.

SWP – A poor man’s hybrid of Lennon and Walcott. Pointless inclusion.

Stewart Downing – Everyone has forgotten about him. But again, a good season would push him back in. If he ever recovers.

David Bentley – Who?

Jermaine Jenas – Just never got what he is or what he does

Tom Huddlestone – A behemoth of a man. Not mobile enough.

David Dunne – A case for his inclusion is bordering on the bizarre

Nigel Reo-Coker – Fall out with MON has pushed him miles out

Forwards

Carlton Cole – Although he probably will

Michael Owen – Poor old Mickey. I would love him there – but without consistent injury free game time and more goals than Defoe, he wont be.

Gabby Agbonlahor – Not particularly good at anything. Except being quick.

Dean Ashton – Dead

That gives us a squad of:

David James, Rob Green, Paul Robinson

Ashley Cole, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Joleon Lescott, Matthew Upson, Glen Johnson, Wes Brown

Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, David Beckham, Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott

Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey, Jermaine Defoe, Peter Crouch

If Jonathan Woodgate can stay fit, he should go instead of Matthew Upson – but that is a huge if. And there is a strong argument (and one Capello obviously buys into) that James Milner’s versatility is a valuable asset. Expect him to go rather than Carrick. Heskey could be marginalised also, bring Carlton Cole right back into the equation. So many ifs and buts… we’ll see where we are in six months time…

Fabio Capello has come out and said he’s happier to be playing away because the England fans are a negative influence on the side.

I am glad he has said this. As fans we are all too happy to blame the players, or the manager, or the English football system, but never ourselves – because fans turn up and pay money they are somehow absolved from responsibility, as if that automatically makes them untouchable.

That’s not the case. Its certainly arguable, as Capello suggests, that the England team are under such pressure from the supporters that they cannot perform freely, properly, without inhibition; that we are underperforming because of the fans.

Andorra is a perfect example of this. We didn’t score for 20 minutes and the crowd started heckling. This gets the players down and puts them under excess pressure, which means they take the safe option (a backward pass, a lump to the striker, a cross from deep) instead of attempting that bit of invention that could unlock a defence. The fans made us struggle.

Although Andorra are by no means top class opposition, their nine-men-behind-the-ball philosophy required a spark or moment of imagination to break through – under such supporter pressure none of the players seemed willing to try for risk of opprobrium.

After a crescendo of boos at half time it was no surprise that Joe Cole, a substitute who had not been forced to endure the wrath and scorn of his own supporters, was the one to break the deadlock. He was not under such pressure, was not feeling the weight of expection and impending backlash – arguably had he been, he would have missed.

Our fans are great when thigs are going well – passionate, singing and shouting, cheering us on (admittedly in a tubthumping, jingoistic way) – but when things are not going well, as now, they add to the weight dragging us down.

Get off the backs of the England team. It will do more harm than good. You are the cause of the very thing you are moaning about.