Why is English football so rubbish?
I don know, maybe there are not enough talented players, maybe they do not try hard enough, maybe players from other countries are more determined, maybe they drink too much. However, it could be due to poor academy standards. Many players go through the youth system only to get told that they are too small even when standing at heights like 5’10 and sometimes 6’0 in the case of goalkeepers. The general message seems to be “You can teach football, but you can’t teach athleticism”, with main emphasis being placed on physical strength, height and speed irrespective usually of skill. The England under 19s squad is a good example of this with the average height being roughly 6’1. Whereas, in countries like Argentina players who are of small stature can nevertheless succeed. Lionel Messi had hormone deficiencies and at 14 was only 4’6. Even now he’s 5’9 I think. That’s my opinion though, too much emphasis on height and strength, not enough emphasis on footballing ability.
