This iconic image of bloodied former England defender Terry Butcher taken in 1989 during a World Cup qualifier embodies the "warrior" style in which the country has always played. It is an approach based on bravery, endeavour and hard work but it has not brought any success since the 1966 World Cup -- England's only major tournament victory.
The English Warrior —
This iconic image of bloodied former England defender Terry Butcher taken in 1989 during a World Cup qualifier embodies the "warrior" style in which the country has always played. It is an approach based on bravery, endeavour and hard work but it has not brought any success since the 1966 World Cup -- England's only major tournament victory.
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Captain Steven Gerrard stands dejected following England's exit from Euro 2012 on penalties after clinging on for most of their quarterfinal match with Italy. The team's performance drew much criticism, as they surrendered possession and territory in a defensive display, and prompted a debate about a change of direction for the national team.
More Euro heartbreak —
Captain Steven Gerrard stands dejected following England's exit from Euro 2012 on penalties after clinging on for most of their quarterfinal match with Italy. The team's performance drew much criticism, as they surrendered possession and territory in a defensive display, and prompted a debate about a change of direction for the national team.
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Johan Cruyff's influence on football cannot be underestimated. A part of the Netherlands side that was said to play "total football" he then instigated a similar style of play when he was coach at Spanish club Barcelona. The fruits of that labor are now reaping rewards for the Catalan club, and the national team, who followed their lead.
Dutch of class —
Johan Cruyff's influence on football cannot be underestimated. A part of the Netherlands side that was said to play "total football" he then instigated a similar style of play when he was coach at Spanish club Barcelona. The fruits of that labor are now reaping rewards for the Catalan club, and the national team, who followed their lead.
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France opened their national center for football in Clairefontaine in the late 1980s and changed their modus operandi after disappointing returns in the early 90s. But in 1998 they claimed their first ever World Cup triumph, with Clairefontaine graduates Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet key to their campaign and two years later France won Euro 2000.
The French revolution —
France opened their national center for football in Clairefontaine in the late 1980s and changed their modus operandi after disappointing returns in the early 90s. But in 1998 they claimed their first ever World Cup triumph, with Clairefontaine graduates Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet key to their campaign and two years later France won Euro 2000.
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Playmaker Mesut Ozil is the poster boy for Germany's new exuberant style of football. After years of play based on similar values to England, a review of youth development and coaching in the late 1990s has produced a wealth of new talent, whose energy and dynamism is providing a challenge to world champions Spain.
Ozil: German poster boy —
Playmaker Mesut Ozil is the poster boy for Germany's new exuberant style of football. After years of play based on similar values to England, a review of youth development and coaching in the late 1990s has produced a wealth of new talent, whose energy and dynamism is providing a challenge to world champions Spain.
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Pep Guardiola, who was handed his Barcelona debut by Cruyff, built on his former manager's style when he became coach of the club. His tiki taka style, based on fast passing and fluid movement, saw him lead Barca to 14 trophies in four years. The Spanish side aped Barcelona's style, and seven of their players started the 2010 World Cup final.
All-conquering Barcelona —
Pep Guardiola, who was handed his Barcelona debut by Cruyff, built on his former manager's style when he became coach of the club. His tiki taka style, based on fast passing and fluid movement, saw him lead Barca to 14 trophies in four years. The Spanish side aped Barcelona's style, and seven of their players started the 2010 World Cup final.
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England's only major international success came at the 1966 World Cup on home soil, the lion-hearted Bobby Moore lifting the trophy at Wembley. But the hard-working values that landed England the trophy aren't as relevant in today's game and their painful exit to Italy at Euro 2012 left many fans feeling the team is further away than ever from replicating the achievements of 46 years ago.
Unitl next time.. —
England's only major international success came at the 1966 World Cup on home soil, the lion-hearted Bobby Moore lifting the trophy at Wembley. But the hard-working values that landed England the trophy aren't as relevant in today's game and their painful exit to Italy at Euro 2012 left many fans feeling the team is further away than ever from replicating the achievements of 46 years ago.
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