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The English could not be the best even though they are the ‘Father of Football’

Kriralok Desk: England is the ‘so-called’ father of football! Although the lack of consistency in their performance in world football is evident. That’s why England couldn’t transform from a team that was always ‘same’ to a football superpower. However, England’s success in the recent two World Cups and the Euro Championship shows a renewed dream. England, the famous ‘Three Lions’, is going to claim the title in the World Cup in Qatar.
Is England really the father of football?

There are different opinions about the origin of football, the most popular sport in the world. Although almost everyone has accepted England’s contribution as the father of modern football. It can be seen from the history, this game with different names is ancient, Egypt, Persia, Babylon, Greece, China and other countries like football was popular with different local names. For example, around 350 BC, football was similar to the game Episkyros in Greece. Which was earlier recognized by the world football governing body ‘FIFA’ as the prototype of the game of football. Again, football was similar to the game of China’s kuju and Japan’s kemari. Again, the national game of football was common among the indigenous people of Greenland. In 1586, the English explorer John Davis mentioned playing football with the Inuit in Greenland. Australian aborigines have been kicking balls in Australia for a long time. Among the Māori in New Zealand the game was called Ki-o-rahi.

However, according to most historians, the prototype of modern football was created in England. The game is mentioned in the Historia Brittonum written in the 9th century AD. The first ball played in England was called ‘mob football’. In this game, two teams had countless players and they scored points if they pushed a ball to a certain place. This game was then played between neighboring villages or towns. This game was considered as an integral part of various social and religious events.

Similar to football, there was a game in ancient England. There is a legend that football was introduced to England by the followers of William the victor at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Many historians have said that a group of crazed people used to play on special Tuesdays (the day before the special Christian event of sprinkling ashes on the head). In the middle of the day, 500 people in each group took part in this game in the market area and it continued till sunset. There is also ample evidence that these games of that time resulted in loss of lives and wastage of resources as a result of intense excitement. Injuries were minor. Perhaps that is why the scepter had to be used so harshly against it. King Edward II was the first to express a hostile attitude.

In 1314, it was reported through a king’s edict, “The commotion and mischief that occured in the city with a large force is against God’s rules. Therefore, by order of the king, this game was banned in the city of London in future.”However, football was similarly banned by kings Edward III (1349), Richard II (1389), Henry IV (1401), and the Scottish kings James I (1457) and James II (1491).

However, in the normal course of time, football became more and more sophisticated. Once the elite class of England became interested in this game. The popularity of football started in famous educational institutions of England including Eton. At Eton, the game started with the use of legs only. Which is considered as the prototype of the modern style of football.

Wherever football originated, England can be called the father of modern football. Along with the expansion of the British Empire, the English also spread football around the world. British warriors, sailors, merchants, priests all contributed to the spread of football. FA (Football Association) was established in 1863. All of them together then introduced some universal rules, so that there would be no confusion or misunderstanding between the different rules of different schools. Later in 1870 AD it was enacted that each team should have 11 players including a goalkeeper. So it can be said that the journey of modern football started from 1870 AD. According to this law, the game was played between England and Scotland on March 5, 1870 AD. That match held at the London Oval was a 1-1 draw. The first goal of the match was scored by Scottish footballer Robert Crawford. He is the first goal scorer in international football. And Joseph Baker scored the first goal for England. The captain of the England team was Charles William Ekuk. And James Kirkpatrick of Scotland.

This is how modern football developed in England. In the late Middle Ages the English sportsman Jesse Thring developed the first rules of the game. Later, this game became very popular.

England’s journey to World Cup football begins:

Despite being the father of football, England did not participate in the first two seasons of the World Cup. Because at that time they were not ‘FIFA’ members. In the third season of 1950, England came to play the World Cup for the first time. Eliminated from the group stage. 13 countries participated in the event held in Brazil. England had a great start in Group-2. The English beat Chile 2-0 in the first match. Stan Mortensen scored the first goal in the 39th minute of the game. He is England’s first goal scorer in the World Cup. However, England’s first World Cup campaign ended with losses to the United States and Spain in the next two matches.

England played the quarter finals in the 1954 World Cup. In 1958, England, who were eliminated in the group stage, again played in the quarter-finals in the 1962 World Cup.

Stigma stains in England’s World Cup victory:

In 1966, England achieved the highest success in the World Cup. They won the football world cup in their own field. Although there is a lot of controversy about that cup win. It is said that, before the start of the World Cup, England’s Bobby Moore said that if Pele was removed from the Brazilian team, he would bring the World Cup to his countrymen. Before that, Brazil won the World Cup in 1958 and 1962 in front of the history of taking the Jules Rimet Cup forever. But the evil forces of the world declared against Brazil. Brazil were knocked out in the group stage. Pele was beaten so badly by Bulgaria’s players in the group game that he was unable to play in the second match against Hungary. Two of Brazil’s goals in that match were also disallowed, and in the third match, Portugal’s João Moraes sent Pele off again after injuring him. Moraes was not even warned by the referee for this incident. It can be said here that West German and England officials played the role of referees in Brazil games. After returning home from the service World Cup, Pele raised anger against the host country. He even questioned the real power of England’s world-winning team.

England was desperate to win the 1966 World Cup from the start. As they were playing on their own ground, they did not hesitate to resort to tactics. In fact, twenty years have passed since the Second World War and the wounds of the politics of division on the soil of Europe are still burning. At the time, it was a source of considerable discomfort for England that they had never won a World Cup, like the Germans or the Italians. And so they jump to win the title at least once.

England’s 1966 World Cup squad was undoubtedly one of the best in their own history. Goalkeeper Gordon Banks, captain Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Jack Charlton and Geoff Hurst were all big stars. Even then, England did not win against Uruguay in the first match of the first World Cup at home. The match was a goalless draw. The hosts beat Mexico and France in the next two matches and reached the quarter-finals as the best group. Argentina lost 0-1 to England in the last eight match. A funny incident happened in this match. The German referee sent off Argentina’s Rattin with a red card for no reason. The referee commented that Rattin made a facial expression that made him think he had slapped him.

Before entering the field against Portugal in the semi-finals, England’s trickery began. Eusébio’s Portugal was in incredible form in that tournament. Eusebio himself became the best scorer of the season with eight goals. England suddenly changed the venue before the match against Portugal. The match was originally scheduled to be played at the Goodison Park Stadium. But at the last minute it was moved to Wembley Stadium. Where Portugal defeated North Korea 5-3 in the quarter finals. ‘Black Cheetah’ Eusebio scored four goals alone in the match. So maybe England did not want to take the risk of playing the match against Portugal in that field. So the English resorted to the trick of changing the venue. Portugal arrived in London from Liverpool by train the night before the match. Didn’t get a chance to practice. Along with travel fatigue. All in all, England broke the morale of the Portuguese before the match. In the end, the match went 2-1. The indomitable Eusebio also scored in that match. Before that match in the tournament, the English kept seven consecutive clean sheets. Eusebio saluted Banks by scoring from the penalty. However, it was the hosts who won 2-1 thanks to a brace from Sir Bobby Charlton to reach the final.

England did not leave behind the controversy in the final. 96,000 spectators attended the final against West Germany at Wembley Stadium. The first 90 minutes of that final was a 2-2 draw. Extra 30 minutes added to the match. In that extra time, England bet with two more goals. In the end, England beat West Germany 4-2 to win their first and only World Cup.

Geoff Hurst scored the last three goals for England in the final. So far, he is the only hat-trick-man in the World Cup final. Although there is severe criticism of his hat-trick. Hurst scored his second and third goal for the team in 101 minutes. Hurst took a shot at Alan Bell’s low cross, which dropped off the bar. England claimed the goal but the Germans claimed the ball did not cross the goal line. However, that claim of the Germans did not last long. The linesman announced the goal. However, Germany is still protesting against this goal. And Hurst’s own second goal in the final is forever memorable for the ‘goal line’ controversy. It is also marked as a ‘black spot’ in England’s World Cup victory.

England’s overall performance in the World Cup:

Until the 2018 World Cup in Russia, England played in 15 tournaments. England’s total number of matches in the World Cup is 69. Win 29, draw 21 and defeat in 19 matches. The English scored a total of 91 goals in the World Cup. And the ball went to their net 64 times.

After 1966, England played semi-final twice in World Cup football. 1990 and last in 2018. Both times the nose-high English had to be satisfied with being fourth. In addition, they have played quarter finals six times. Among which, England’s exit from the quarter-finals in 1986 was like nature’s revenge. In 1966, England defeated Argentina in the quarter-finals in their own soil. This time in Mexico, Diego Maradona sent off England with the famous ‘Hand of God’ goal. Another goal of Maradona in this match is the best in the history of the World Cup. This ‘controversial’ match was discussed from the beginning due to the political animosity between the two countries (Falkland War).

England have won the most three matches in the World Cup against Argentina. The five World Cups between the two countries are one draw and one loss for England. The English have lost the most four times against Brazil in five appearances. A draw is a match. That is, England could never beat Brazil in the World Cup.

Record of English footballers in World Cup football:

Goalkeeper Peter Shilton has played the most 17 matches among England footballers in World Cup football. He handled the post of England in 1982, 1986 and 1990 World Cup. Besides, Sir Bobby Charlton, Terry Butcher, Ashley Cole and Bobby Moore played the second highest 14 matches each. David Beckham played 13 matches.

Gary Lineker has played 10 matches in two seasons of the World Cup. In 1986, he won the ‘Golden Boot’ by scoring 6 goals. He also scored four goals in the 1990 season. He is England’s highest scorer in the World Cup.
Current captain Harry Kane has the possibility of breaking Lineker’s record. He scored six goals in the 2018 World Cup alone. Won the Golden Boot. Kane has risen to the second place in the list of England’s highest goalscorers in the World Cup in one tournament. Geoff Hurst’s goal tally in two World Cup games is five.

Gordon Banks won the ‘Golden Gloves’ as England’s only goalkeeper in the 1966 World Cup. And in 1998, Michael Wayne won the Best Rising Star Award.

Peter Shilton has played the most 125 matches for England in international football. He has the record of not scoring a goal in the most 66 matches for the country.

Wayne Rooney played the second highest 120 matches. He owns the most 53 goals in the jersey of the country. Although it is only a matter of time to break this record of Harry Kane who scored 51 goals in only 75 matches.

England’s best stars:

England’s World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore or Bobby Charlton have a separate place in history. Sir Bobby Charlton is also considered as one of the greatest footballers in England history. He has 49 goals in 106 matches for the country. He also has three goals in the 1966 World Cup. Two of which were against Portugal in the semi finals. Received the ‘Golden Ball’ of the 1966 World Cup. Won the ‘Ballon d’Or’ in the same year. Rich in the experience of three World Cup matches, Bobby Charlton spent 17 seasons of his club career at Manchester United. Scored 249 goals in 758 matches. He played the last season of his career in Ireland. Bobby Charlton’s place in English football history is at a different height.

There is no shortage of footballers who have received the honor of England’s superstars. David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Gary Lineker, Bryan Robson, Michael Owen, Peter Shilton, Geoff Hurst, Alan Shearer, Gordon Banks, Frank Lampard, John Burns, Jimmy Graves all deserve a place in the list of England’s all-time greatests.

Current star of England team:

England’s current captain Harry Kane can be called the biggest star. Kane, the country’s second-highest goal scorer, won the ‘Golden-Boot’ at the World Cup in Russia. He was also the best goal scorer in World Cup qualifiers. The responsibility of solving England’s goal problem in the upcoming World Cup is on his shoulders. His number of goals in club career is 274 in 466 matches. He won the English Premier League’s best goal scorer award three times. In the 2020-21 season, he was the best play-maker of the EPL. Has been Tottenham’s player of the year for two years. He is in great form in the 2022-23 season as well. He has already scored 10 goals in 15 matches for Spurs. In the national team in 2022, he scored three goals in eight matches.

Youngster Phil Foden is also worth keeping an eye on. Currently, this winger is doing great performance for Man City. He has 52 goals in 184 matches in club football. He has scored seven goals in 15 matches of this season. Won 11 titles including four Premier Leagues for Man City. Played in the UEFA Champions League final. Won the FIFA U-17 World Cup for England in 2017. He was in possession of the ‘Golden Ball’ of the best player of that season. In the same year, Foden was voted the best young sportsperson by the BBC. Won the EPL’s best emerging footballer award twice. This 22-year-old footballer scored 2 goals in 18 matches for the country. Foden will become a big star in the World Cup in Qatar – everyone hopes that.

Team goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has played 45 matches. Out of which no goal was scored in 21 matches.

Raheem Sterling is among the other footballers of England. He has played the most 79 matches in the current team. Scored 19 international goals. Midfielder Jordan-Henderson played 70 matches. Defender Kyle Walker has played 70 matches. Another defender, John Stones, played 59 matches and played 59 matches in the country’s jersey. After their return, Qatar is going to the World Cup as one of England’s hopes.

England’s entry into Qatar World Cup:

England entered the World Cup in Qatar with power after passing the qualifiers of the European region. Poland, Hungary, Albania, Andorra and San Marino were their opponents in ‘I’ group. With eight wins and two draws in 10 matches, undefeated England booked their ticket to the 2022 World Cup. English footballers have scored the most goals in the European region with 39 goals in the qualifiers. And digested only three.

Harry Kane was the joint top scorer with Memphis Depp of Holland with 12 goals in the World Cup Qualifiers.

England’s recent performance:

In 2021, England played in the final of the Euro Championship for the first time in their history. Although losing to Italy in the final held at Wembley, winning the Euro did not happen. England beat Croatia and the Czechs in their group. Draw against the Scottish. In the knock out phase, England beat power-house Germany 2-0. In the quarter finals, Hali defeated Ukraine by a goal. And the victory against Denmark in the semi was 2-1. Fileo took the lead against Italy in just 2 minutes. But in the end, ironically, the match was lost in a tiebreaker.

Harry Kane has shown his ability by scoring four goals in the Euro tournament.

However, England disappointed in the 2022 UEFA Nations League. The Three Lions have lost three of the six matches in the group. And draw in three matches. The English were relegated to the second tier with only three points. England’s opponents in the group were Germany, Italy and Hungary.

England’s target in Qatar:

England is one of the favorites of Qatar World Cup. Despite leaving the semi-finals of the last season, they want to advance further in Qatar. The target must be to win the second World Cup trophy after 1966. England’s opponents in Qatar ‘B’ group are USA, Iran and Wales. England is the favorite from all sides in the group. They are the most advanced in the FIFA ranking. They are now number five in FIFA. However, they have a record 14 defeats against Wales. This is definitely bad news. And the good news is that England have not lost a match against Wales since 1984.

England has never played an international match against Iran. England has 11 out of 8 wins against America. Lose two. But it is disappointing that England could never beat America in the World Cup. 1950 World Cup lost to America 0-1. And in 2010, the match between the two teams was drawn 1-1. However, after 1993, England never had to lose to America.
England’s World Cup journey will begin with a match against Iran on November 21.

What is Southgate’s strategy?

Gareth Southgate has been working as England’s coach since 2016. This footballer has a record of playing 57 matches for England recently. There are two goals. Retired from club football in 2006 playing for Middlesbrough club. He started his coaching career in that club from the next season. 2013-16 was England Under-21 coach. In September 2016, he was appointed as the coach of the main national team. Recently, that contract has been lengthened. If all goes well, Southgate will serve as England coach until the 2024 World Cup.

Under Southgate, England has already played in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. Has been fourth in the world cup of football. Played in 2021 for the first time in the UEFA Euro Championship final. England finished third in the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League. There is no way to call Southgate a success as an England coach even if he did not win any major titles. Under him England lost only 13 out of 76 matches. Win in 46 matches. And the draw is 17.

He was selected as BBC’s Best Coaching Personality in 2018 and 2021. Now in front of Southgate is the 2022 World Cup mission. Where his team is going as one of the favorites. However, there are still some problems in the team. Many are unhappy with the form of Harry Maguire and winger Jadon Sancho, especially in the center back position. Maguire has played 46 matches for his country. There are 7 goals.

But recently the club or the national team, nowhere can do justice to their name. In particular, after the match against Germany in the Nations League, there have been demands to exclude Miguier from the England team. The demand to take Ben White, who played in Arsenal instead of him, is strong. White also played four matches for the country. On the other hand, Sancho Bukayo Saka can come to the main squad.

Southgate plans to play the team in a 4-2-3-1 formation at the World Cup in Qatar. In that case his XI could be – Jordan Pickford (goalkeeper), Kyle Walker, John Stones, Eric Dier, Ben Chilwell, Declan Rees, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane.

Possible Squad:

Possible 26-man squad for the World Cup can be-

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale

Defenders: Reece James, Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Ben White, Luke Shaw, Ben Chilwell, Eric Dier, John Stones, Harry Maguire

Midfield – Declan Rees, Jude Bellingham, Kelvin Phillips, Mason Mount, Jordan Henderson, Conor Gallagher

Forwards- Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham, Marcus Rashford

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