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| June 4, 2002 | Tuesday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 22,1423 |
England performance severely criticized
LONDON, June 3: England’s performance in their disappointing 1-1 World Cup draw against Sweden on Sunday came in for heavy criticism in the nation’s newspapers on Monday after weeks of hype had raised expectations to the usual unrealistic levels.
After controlling the first half, England stood off the ball in the second, allowing the Swedes to dominate a match they could have easily won but for the goalkeeping of David Seaman.
The broadsheets were more damning in their analysis of the group F opener, while the tabloids tended to take a more optimistic tone in looking forward to England’s next game against Argentina on Friday.
The Independent criticised England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson’s tactics and a lack of teamwork.
“England had about as much sense of community as a rabble on the run. But at this level the running has to have a point. England did not and when (captain) David Beckham left the field 17 minutes into the second half, the team’s descent into chaos was already full blown,” the paper said.
The Telegraph was equally critical.
“It was not simply that Sven Goran Eriksson’s side took a point that so dispirited the thousands of England supporters... It was the lack of technique, tactical nous and flawed substitutions that proved so alarming,” it said.
The Daily Mirror led the tabloids in regarding the result in a more positive light by quoting Eriksson himself.
“It’s bad...but its not the end of the world” ran a front page headline.
The paper’s editorial criticised the performance but remained optimistic of England’s chances.
“England have a point and two games to go in this round. Qualification for the next stage is well within reach,” it said.
“There is a really good spirit in the England squad, inspired by Beckham and that is reflected across the country at home.”
The Sun took a similar approach.
“It’s not the end of the world (it just feels like it)” was the paper’s front page headline but it immediately turned its attention to the Argentina game, saying that the team had nothing to fear from their South American rivals, the tournament favourites.
The Daily Mail was more circumspect in its analysis of the situation England find themselves in.
“In all too familiar fashion, on a day that England expected a dream start to a World Cup adventure, the national squad threatens another rollercoaster ride,” it said.—Reuters
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