I think it's an extension of the tabloid mentality of 'We're going the win the World Cup/European Championship' whenever we're at a finals – which in all honesty we're not going to do any time soon without a huge, huge slice of luck heading in our direction. But the casual supporter who gets his knowledge of the game and our standing in it from tabloid back pages, TalkSport and sycophantic TV pundits knows little better.
Don't get me wrong, I've no problem with people wanting to see players for their national side showing pride in how they perform, to show commitment to the cause – indeed, I want to see that myself from our players. But I think folk demanding constant chest pounding and snarling bulldog spirit as a sign of a player's total commitment to the cause have their priorities wrong. I can't recall, for example, Gary Lineker going into a rabid frenzy after finding the net in an England shirt – are we to therefore question his commitment, or how good a player he was for the national side? I'd suggest not.
Similarly, look at the calls for an English manager when we've had a foreign coach at the helm. The argument is that they're not 'passionate' enough to manage the mighty England – because of course Italians (such as our current manager) aren't noted for being 'passionate' folk, nor the sort to really care about football...
There's a mindset some have that only an Englishman can understand the importance of managing the country's football team, and therefore only an Englishman can get the very best out of the players. History, however, would disagree – foreign managers are the exception to our rule, and with very few exceptions our English gaffers have delivered little in terms of success.
Criticise Kevin Keegan as a manager all you like – and there's plenty of ammunition – but one thing you can't criticise him for is not being passionate chap, in particular his exploits for England as a player and manager. But when he announced his resignation from the national post in the aftermath of defeat to Germany in the final game to be played at the old Wembley, he had the courage to publicly concede that it wasn't enough – you need much more than tubthumping team talks and flag waving to succeed as an international manager.
Granted, if we had a top class English manager perfect for the role I'd be delighted to see him installed, and my preference would be for such an individual – but I don't think we do have such a manager, and we have to employ the very best candidate we can get irrespective of nationality. But still a lot of people don't seem to get that, and it's that mentality which will ultimately lead to Harry Redknapp getting the job.
on a more serious note the english squad will again be hyped up for the euro championship after 2 successful preparation game and then drop out in the first game after the group stage (which they pass with a total of 2:1 in 3 games)
You are Wayne Rooney's dad, and I claim my prize of next weekend's results in time for me to get to the bookies.
