Missive To Kevin
By: Andrew Drinkwater
Date: Sunday, 27 August, 2000
Dear Kevin Keegan,
On Thursday, I was saddened to hear of the death of a legend, a legend which has lived well beyond its century, a legend that has passed through generation after generation, a legend that once stood on top of the world and peered down on those below. Wherever the legend went, the people would follow, thousands cramming into the smallest of crannies to catch a glimpse.
Yes, there were the low points. We remember its collapse at Wembley in '74 when faced with the Polish 'Clown' (a match that caused you much anguish), we won't forget Rotterdam '93, and the memory of the godforsaken place in Charleroi is a pain that lives on today, a pain that almost struck us down for good. Many of us had voiced concern about the ailing health of this national institution, we even tried to give you our advice on how to save us, but the cold hard fact remains: You, Kevin Keegan, have slain the legend of English national football.
Please forgive me, Mr Keegan, if I appear melodramatic. The subject often leads to high emotion. The emotion in this case does not hide my sentiment. The evidence against you is compelling. Let me be your guide as I show you exhibit A.
Exhibit A: The Doomed Youth
I am sure you will, on many occasions, have seen in action the England Under 21 side that, under the guidance of Peter Taylor, ruled Europe for a time. I would like to pose the question though: why were they world-beaters? Yes, Peter Taylor's tactics were beyond question, but this was not the only contributing factor. The answer lies in the age of the players. England's U21 side was packed with the finest talent that stretched the boundary of 'Under 21' to the limit. Players such as Cort, Heskey, Woodgate are all nigh-on 22, if not past that age already. Nothing wrong with playing them in the Under 21 side, of course, no rules broken there. I am also sure that you will have seen the squads named by sides like Brazil and France for their Under 21s. Examine the ages of the players: they are crammed with 17 and 18 year olds. The older players have long since joined up with the full squads to learn their trade before finding a regular spot in the XI. Which brings us back to England's little dilemma. I'm well aware of Michael Owen, but where are the rest of the young players joining up with the full A team? What harm will calling up younger players do?
Exhibit B: Bisham Abbey, Retirement Castle
In the same vein as before, age is paramount to the success of an international side. Not every player can be a Roger Milla, as I'm sure you know. However, it is as short sighted as it is misguided to continue calling up players for a championship two years away when they are already nearing their 38th birthday. This particular player, David Seaman, has seen the gradual loss of his goalkeeping faculties become a liability to his team, be it Arsenal or England. Undeniably good in his prime, it is time for him to face his final curtain. England need to start planning for tomorrow before they try and save face today. Why bother building a team with 35 year olds in prime positions when in a couple of years or even a few months they will retire leaving the coach with no option but to start again. Tony Adams is a player who has spent as much time injured in the past couple of years as he has on the field of play, and has already said he is considering retirement if he receives another injury, yet you think it is correct for him to be appointed captain of the side, a player who should ideally be looking at leading England out in the World Cup Final in Osaka in 2002. Can you honestly see Tony Adams being fit and still at his best in two years time? I certainly can't.
|
|
