By Michael Sinnerton

To rehash a theme started by Martin Samuel, I wonder whom we should be copying now. When the French won the World Cup along with the Euros in quick succession the FA told us that the French model had to be followed. This is an extract from Paul Hayward in the Telegraph in 2000:

"Thirty-four years after they last reached the final of a major competition, England have resolved not to be the cave dwellers of the world game, the sick man of Europe. This week, Eriksson's assistant and trusted ally, Tord Grip, visited the Under-17s in the Charlton dressing room before their 1-0 victory over France, who now provide regular opposition for England's teenagers under the informal Anglo-French accord. From now on, Grip's presence seemed to say to the eager starlets, you are part of a system which binds each tier of international representation together, and which reflects the urgent need to produce skilful, intelligent and tactically aware young England players."

Wilkinson's staff have scoured the world for inspiration, but it was the shortest journey of them all which provided the best source of organisational wisdom. Gerard Houllier, a former technical director of the French federation and now manager of Liverpool, was the cross-channel fixer and go-between. "After the 1998 World Cup, I spoke to Aime Jacquet [the World Cup winning coach], and they told us everything they do," said Les Reed (director of technical development) at an Under-17 training session on Monday. "Since then, Howard and I have met Roger Lemerre [Jacquet's successor]. He did a technical seminar for us and let everybody have all the information."

In England's victory over France the goal scorer was Michael Chopra who said: "Yeah, that's what Les is trying to teach us. One-touch passing and good movement off the ball. That's what France do. They're strong and full of running." Isn't this just basic youth development? Why do we need the French to tell us that movement and good passing are the key to (attacking) football? Ah but we don't now I hear you say, we've got the Spanish to teach us. Now that Spain have ended years of ‘hurt' without an international trophy, we don't need the French anymore.

Trevor Brooking in February:

"What we've got to try to do is make some of our youth development coaches understand that you have got to spend years on our grass-roots programme to be up there where Spain are now.

"Spain have been doing it for the last 10 years. But we've got to start now. And in 10 years' time we might have a chance of being close to that as far as the depth of our development is concerned."

Given that Spain have just lost to the USA, presumably whoever's the FA's next ‘director of technical development' is will focus on producing big, lucky brutes (not to take away from the Americans who were very good on the day). The point is that we really should be taking the good ideas from throughout Europe and South America whilst perhaps adding our own at youth development rather than desperately trying to keep up with the Jones', the Henry‘s or the Xavi‘s.

By Michael Sinnerton

Is anyone else starting to really wonder about Theo Walcott? Wasn't this guy supposed to be potentially world-class?

Now, I realise he's still young enough to fulfil his potential but given that's he's now got 3 years of Premier League experience and a handful of England caps shouldn't he really be doing more. Wouldn't someone with real world-class potential be scoring goals and making game-changing breaks more often. Rather than being subbed off at half-time shouldn't Walcott be dominating an Under 21 game against fairly average opposite? Sweden's Marcus Berg managed a composed, top-quality hat-trick against Belarus whilst Theo was removed against Finland at the interval, despite no noticeable injury.

That doesn't mean Berg is a better player nor one with more potential but shouldn't we have more than one world-class performance (v Croatia) and some wonderful substitute cameos from the bench to show for his career so far?

Maybe I'm being too harsh on a 20 year old who's stats include 6 goals in 16 games for the u21's and 3 in 8 for England and who it could be argued is being played out of position ("to aid his development") but Walcott at the moment seems to be a bit of a one-trick pony. Even if that pony is a scary amount of pace. I'm all for beating players with changes of pace and body-movement rather than elaborate step-overs but I'd like to see more end product and ingenuity from the young man.

Walcott's last two seasons

Arsenal 07/08: 39 games - 7 goals

Arsenal 08/09: 35 games - 6 goals

Wayne Rooney's at the same age(s)

Man. Utd 04/05: 43 games - 17 goals

Man. Utd 05/06: 48 games - 19 goals

Just 8 days after the fairytale story of the season came the rude awakening. Luton, winners of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in the most spectacular fashion, were condemned to non-league football.

Luton, who were in the top-flight just 17 years ago, have been a league club for 89 years but a 0-0 draw at home to Chesterfield coupled with a win for Grismby sealed the Hatters fate. Even the most closeted of Premier League fan must be aware of Luton's 30 point penalty which was effectively a death sentence on the club this season. Without the points deduction 13 victories and 15 draws would have left the club comfortably in mid-table.

"I said to the players it's 100% not their fault." said Mick Harford - which isn't totally true but you see his point.

What will the future bring for Luton, with many of the players undoubtedly alreading eyeing up moves to football league clubs. With Harford in charge and the core of this side in tact, you'd fancy them to come straight back up but without who knows? You have to hope for the sake of the 6,494 strong contingent who watched Monday's game that this particular phoenix rises from the ashes.

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As a brief side note isn't strange to see a side pulling in 40,000 fans at Wembley and under 7,000 on a Bank Holiday - loyalty?

by Joel Abraham

Is there seriously anybody out there who think Alan Shearer's managerial debut will end in anything but tears?

Such is the way on Tyneside, the move is being hailed as the messianic return of a local hero to finally deliver Newcastle from endless mediocrity. We all love to point and laugh at the black and white circus in the North-East (the lady on MOTD who claimed Keegan's second departure had 'ruined her life' springs to mind) and I personally can't wait for this one to go down in the familiar blaze of spectacular failure.

Why is Shearer only taking the job now, instead of years ago when it was originally offered? The man has never managed before, but is now expected to save Newcastle just because he was a great player. Newcastle have a tough run-in, with a game against Chelsea, and trips to Liverpool, Stoke, Spurs and Villa left. Shearer is in serious jeopardy of being dragged down with the ship, sinking his managerial reputation before he's even had a chance to build it.

I also doubt whether Shearer will command instant respect in the dressing room, having spent the last few years plonked on the MOTD sofas, legs akimbo, talking utter shit. Is he the man to finally turn around Joey Barton's career? (Hint: No.)

I, for one, am excited. Newcastle going down and Shearer off the MOTD panel? Result!

By Michael Sinnerton

The advantage of blogging drunk is that you can suggest Steve McClaren is not actually that bad a a manager without having to search your soul for real reasons. McClaren didn't do a terrible job at Middlesbrough (albeit he didn't do a brilliant one) and he has been a relative success at FC Twente in Holland.

Whilst McClaren could be said to have benefited from the poor form of PSV and Ajax, if he can guide Twente to second in the league and a place in the Champions league even his harshest critics would have to concede that he is no Bryan Robson. Perhaps he is even due a return to Premiership football, however with Middlesborough the only top flight side really in need, Stevie Mac may have to wait a while for 'The Chain' to really kick in.

Talking of wonderful ex-footballers who failed spectacularly as managers, who else but Alan Shearer. Newcastle's squad, and indeed frontline (Viduka, Owen, Martins and Smith) should be enough to keep the Toon Army up but Shearer may see his legendary status implode should he fail to keep Newcastle up. Any form of success however will see the geordies hailing the messiah even before he completes his pro-licence. Expect survival, followed by acclaim and then a steep learning curve.

In other news look for Italy to beat Ireland (2/5) and England to triumph over the Ukraine (4/9) in a low scoring contest. Scotland will probably win too if you're tempted.

With England's U21's to play Norway and France in th next week, Students of the Game runs the rule over the pretenders looking to move up to the senior squad.

GK - Joe Hart DOB: 19/04/87

Joe Hart displaced Kasper Schmeichel and Andreas Isaaksson as the starting goalkeeper at Manchester City in 2007/2008, and his performances at Eastlands have led to international recognition at U19,  Under-21 and senior level.  He made his senior debut against Trinidad & Tobago in Port of Spain on 1 June and is widely seen as a future England No.1

Potential 7/10

RB - Micah Richards DOB: 24/06/88

Perhaps the most hyped defender of his generation, Richards' pace and power had pundits purring when he burst onto the scene. A versatile player who can be a threat at set-pieces his career has stalled somewhat since his last senior cap in 2007 but at his best can still be a game winner.

Potential 8/10

CB - David Wheater DOB: 14/02/87

A strong centre half with an eye for goal, David's performances for Middlesbrough led to a call-up - and an Under-21 debut - against Romania in August 2007. Has always been in Capello's thoughts and was called up as a back-up for John Terry last year. Is well known for his autograph hunting but could end up being one of the more valuable in his own collection.

Potential 7/10

CB - Michael Mancienne DOB: 08/01/88

A talented young defender who received his first call up in 2007 and his since been included in the full England squad. May ned to move away from Chelsea in order to fulfil his potential but seems to be highly rated and is allegedly a target for several Premier League clubs.

Potential 6/10

LB - Andrew Taylor DOB: 01/08/86

Regularly features at left back for Middlesbrough and Stuart Pearce and is a graduate of Middlesbrough's excellent academy. Taylor was a part of England's Under-19 Championship team in 2005 where they finished runners-up to France.

Potential 6/10

RM - Theo Walcott DOB:16/03/89

A record-breaker for England, Theo became England's youngest ever full international by appearing against Hungary at Old Trafford in May 2006.  Just three months later, he made his debut for the Under-21s against Moldova and scored after just three minutes to become England Under-21s' youngest-ever goalscorer. Not much else to say after his hat-trick against Croatia, with Wenger in charge he could be really special.

Potential 9/10

CM - Michael Johnson DOB: 24/02/88

After a brilliant 07/08 campaign under Sven at Man City Johnson's career has stalled under Mark Hughes, partly due to bad luck with injuries. Only last year he was being compared to Stephen Gerrard and looked a top player in the making.

Potential 8/10

CM - Jack Rodwell DOB: 11/03/91

A recent breakthrough, called into the under-21 squad only a month after his Premier League debut for Everton. Has captained England u16's, and played for u17's and u19's and hasn't missed a beat since his introduction to senior football. Is the youngest player to represent Everton in Europe and is likely to flourish under David Moyes.

Potential 8/10

LM - James Milner DOB: 04/01/86

England's most-capped u21 player of all time and is equally comfortable on either flank. Is perhaps the only Aston Villa player still flourishing in the second half of the season and whilst Milner doesn't have the pace of a Lennon or Wright-Phillips he does have a better delivery. May end up battling with clubmate Ashley Young for an England place or both may be employed on the wings with Walcott up front.

Potential 7/10

CF -  Gabriel Agbonlahor DOB: 13/10/86

Has made two succesive great starts to Premier League seasons before fizzling out and may be a victim of Martin O'Neill's preferance for a small squad. Nevertheless has the natural pace and finishing ability to become Michael Owen's successor and could one-day form a lethal partnership with Wayne Rooney

Potential 8.5/10

CF - Frazier Campbell DOB: 13/09/87

Has a career record of 37 goals in 74 games but made the mistake of being used as a makeweight in the Berbatov deal and Harry Redknapp's attempts to recreate Martin Jol's Tottenham side have led to him being sidelined ever since.

Potential 6/10

Ones to Watch

Fabian Delph (Leeds) aged 19 Potential 8/10

Adam Lallana (Southampton) aged 20 Potential 7/10

Joe Mattock (Leicester) aged 18 Potential 6/10

Who else do you think could make the step up?

By Joe Walton

Fabio Capello’s England squads always have a healthy mix of the established, the up-and-coming and those on form. His latest addition to the England squad, Leighton Baines, is a healthy mix of all three.

Baines deserves this chance. He has made 23 appearances for Everton this year and is a typical example of a well rounded modern full-back. In defence he combines a good reading of the game with though tackling; in attack his left-foot is a dangerous weapon, capable of providing strikers with accurate service. While at Wigan he was a regular set-piece taker, proof of his set-piece quality was evident at Fratton Park on Saturday.

But what is most striking about Baines is his lack of ego in a sport so often swamped with big-shots. In an interview with the Guardian conducted shortly after his move to Everton, Baines talked about his battle with self doubt. “I’ve always struggled in terms of self-confidence,” he said, “the whole time I was playing for Wigan in the Championship I was going into games thinking, ‘I’m going to get found out soon, is this going to be the week they see through me?’”

It is understandable that Baines is prone to questioning his ability given that he was rejected by both Merseyside clubs before being picked up by Wigan, who were at that time a far cry from Steve Bruce’s current team. He was lucky to be able to establish himself in the Wigan side as they made their ascent up the football league. After being part of the team that kept Wigan in the Premier League he moved on, because a lack of ego does not mean a lack of ambition.

It will be interesting to see a competition between Baines and Ashley Cole for an England place. While many feel that Cole is the best left-back in the world, Baines offers something extra in attack and it is hard to argue that he gives away too much defensively. And that’s leaving aside the inherent likeability difference.

If Baines had trouble sleeping before Wigan games, I hope he is able to get his head down tonight.

by Joel Abraham

Some people are never happy. Ask a pundit about the FA Cup, and there'll either be too many or too few big teams in it.

Let's take a look at last year's semi finals:

West Brom v Portsmouth; Barnsley v Cardiff (which yielded a paltry 2 goals)

And this year's: (Arsenal v Hull pending)

Man United v Everton; Arsenal v Chelsea

Which would you rather watch?

How can critics say the FA Cup isn't taken seriously when four of the last five teams in this year's competition are in the top six of the league? They sent out strong teams in the last round and see the FA Cup as a valuable piece of silverware. Just ask Arsenal fans, trophiless since 2005.

Try telling them the FA Cup is worthless

There might be ways to improve the format, each with their own set of problems. Abolish replays? Unfair on the smaller teams, who often rely on them for a much-needed financial boost. Have the lower ranked team play at home? If it becomes the Away Cup for the top five, don't be surprised if they start to see it as more trouble than it's worth. 

The disparity between last year's and this year's final four is testament to the appeal of the FA Cup. The big teams want it, but with a bit of luck, a trip to Wembley is within anyone's grasp. The prestige is still there. Just watch this year's semis and judge for yourself.

by Joel Abraham

Arsenal have captivated the footballing world over the past month with their gorgeous free-flowing buildup, that sees the opposition passed into oblivion before succumbing to a crushing 0-0 draw. But what are Arsene Wenger's secrets of total football?

Fig. 1: The Crab

In the absence of Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal rely on the vision and incisive passing of Denilson and Alex Song. Wenger has nurtured their creativity by forbidding either from entering the opposition penalty area, dribbling, or passing the ball forwards. Aaron Ramsey attempted a forward pass during a recent FA cup clash with Cardiff, and was subsequently fined two weeks wages and sent to the reserves.

As we see here, the ball is moved from side-to-side until a throw-in is conceded. Members of the crowd are encouraged to shine lasers into the eyes of players to prevent them from looking forwards.

Fig. 2: The Bermuda Triangle

Liquid football at its finest. The players are free to roam wherever they please, and end up congregating in the same square metre of pitch, stepping on each others feet. The precocious, sullen youngsters are too technically accomplished and European to bother making a forward run, and stand around looking at each other before Bendtner miscontrols the ball and puts it into Row Z.

Here, the players are seen making tiny tiny passes to each other and waiting for Eduardo to return to match fitness.

Fig. 3: The Maradona

When the intricate passing fails to break down the more stubborn defences, like those of Middlesbrough, West Brom, Blackburn, Stoke and fifteen other top-tier sides, then the secret weapon Eboue is allowed to unleash his dribbling skills on the hapless opposition.

Eboue picks up the ball in his own half, tightly closes his eyes, and uses his sense of smell to guide him to the goal.

Fig. 4 - The Heimlich Manoeuvre

Football is of course a team game, and what better way to utilise your entire lineup than by inviting your marauding fullbacks to tear into the opposing defence. It is a swift, devastating and unexpected mode of attack, so when you've tried it 48 times and there's still half an hour to go, the opposition won't know what's coming.

Clichy uses his lightning pace to burst through the defence, beat his marker and whip a dangerous cross towards Finsbury Park tube station.