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Kane the only world-class player England have - Sheringham

mawspurs

Staff
Jun 29, 2003
35,067
17,740
Harry Kane is the only world-class England player heading into the World Cup, according to Teddy Sheringham.

Read the full article at The 42
 

Shirtfront

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2005
1,247
406
This raises the same old boring argument about what "world class" actually means. If it means: contender for the Balon d'Or or similar then of course that is only Kane.

But if it means (which I think most people would mean) a player that could get into most sides in the world and/or hold their own in their position against any opposition in the world (however good) then I would definitely include:

- Toby
-Lloris
- Eriksen
- possibly Jan based on this season.
- Dele on potential but not accomplishment

There are not many sides they would not walk into.

Sherringham really is a bit of a knob, isn't he.....
 

BTN1

Well-Known Member
Dec 6, 2006
354
738
This raises the same old boring argument about what "world class" actually means. If it means: contender for the Balon d'Or or similar then of course that is only Kane.

But if it means (which I think most people would mean) a player that could get into most sides in the world and/or hold their own in their position against any opposition in the world (however good) then I would definitely include:

- Toby
-Lloris
- Eriksen
- possibly Jan based on this season.
- Dele on potential but not accomplishment

There are not many sides they would not walk into.

Sherringham really is a bit of a knob, isn't he.....



Who knew these guys were English! Now I’m much more positive England can win the World Cup! ;)
 

nailsy

SC Supporter
Jul 24, 2005
30,536
46,628
Can't argue with that, but how many World Class players do you need to be a successful international team? Portugal probably only had one at the Euros. If you've got good players then surely teamwork and playing to your particular strengths are just as important.
 

UbeAstard

Well-Known Member
May 31, 2005
3,354
2,413
I agree with what Sheringham is trying to say and I wouldn't gamble any money on it, however it doesn't mean we cant win it.
 

jolsnogross

Well-Known Member
May 17, 2005
3,730
5,431
Can't argue with that, but how many World Class players do you need to be a successful international team? Portugal probably only had one at the Euros. If you've got good players then surely teamwork and playing to your particular strengths are just as important.

Nailed it. From the outside looking in, this has always amused non-English footy fans when observing the toxic atmosphere and endless failure of the English national side. The focus on individuals, shoehorning people into the side, hopeless performances against minnows, bizarre last-minute personnel or tactical choices, and so on. It's like the fantastic focus on team ethic at club level gets thrown out the window at international level. Maybe because those club factions are very strong and difficult to overcome. But then teams like Portugal compete well often, and even teams like Wales, Ireland, Iceland - loaded with players from the Premier League and Championship - have really good tournaments and periods of overperformance compared to their team sheet. England could do that too and it would be at a higher level.

England have every chance to succeed and reach the last 4 of successive tournaments, and maybe even win one, if they just ignore the newspaper talk and build a team ethic. Of course Kane will be a big part of that, but there are plenty of decent players to fill out a good competitive squad.
 
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