I have been on record (prior to the World Cup, so not an excuse) as saying that one of the reasons England struggle in World Cups and Euro Championships is that the players are physically worn out from a season in the English Premier League. Note, I said “one” of the reasons. There are other factors that cause England’s below par performances in major championships. But I want to focus on the effects the EPL season has on players.

first, we have to realize that the EPL is simply more physical, in terms of the amount of running, speed of play and the physical challenges, than other leagues.

The cold and wet weather should also be added to the equation. Let me explain. Spain and Italy for example have a warmer climate. In England, the players often practice and play in temperatures slightly above freezing and it wet and windy conditions. This means they have to run around like crazy just to keep warm. Practicing in Spain or Italy when it is a nice 60F, is a different matter. It’s much more comfortable and less taxing on the players.

So the climate is a factor. It means more running around in practices and games than in a warmer climate.

Then compare the pace of an EPL game to that of one from Spain or Italy. It’s as different as night and day. The EPL games are incredibly Complete article here

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Ex-EPL player David Beckham did better than expected.

Dirk Kuyt did better than most.

Fabregas did well in his cameo roles.

Alonso played in the EPL only a season ago.

I get your point though.

What dose a top EPL player expect to gain? And how much do they have to lose by playing in the World Cup on a team nowhere as good as their EPL team?

If you already make 20 million with your club team, then why is the risk worth it when you might end up looking like John Terry or Gereth Berry while defending on the English NT?

I think being tired is part of the problem, but the bigger problem is that the English team specifically was one of the most over-hyped teams in the world cup. Only Gerrard and Rooney are world class players and until England admits that they are not as great as they are making themselves think, nothing will be changed or fixed.

Very wise words Willy but can you tell that to the British media who don't seem to get it!

Being tired would be connected to motivation and expectations, which is what my post was about.

I can understand being tired, but they really only played four games in the month of June...

JW,

I guess my response was directed at Mike's post not yours mate

I totally agree that it is a lame execuse that could have contributed to England's poor performances, but can't a tired Rooney score once in 4 games when he is tired?

Let's combine thoughts from a couple different threads here. Maybe Rooney couldn't score because other teams knew to focus on him as the better half of the up-front pair. This goes to the point about why kids shouldn't play with one striker, which still boggles my mind to hear.

My point on this throughout the World Cup wash-up conversations was that the English struck me as predictable and rushed, and easy to defend so long as their opponents have the defenders that physically can shut down what they know at least most of the time is coming.

With kids, they should be encouraged from the time they start becoming tactically aware not to fall into the easy mental model of defenders feeding middies who feed attackers who score. When they aren't in that mindset, the one-striker thing doesn't matter anymore.

Here we go again!

The problem seems to be that you (Paul) seem to fit everything to your own example and then generalize. Well, when coaching kids you MUST start with easy mental model that might include simple passing patterns. Once they grow up physically, tactically and mentally then variations on those mental models could be introduced. You seem to connect somethings that seem to exist only in your mind. How is it that playing indirect football (defenders to midfielders to forwards as you put it) makes sense when you using more than one striker and does not work when using one?? If that is what you meant, I want to know why and if that is not what you meant I would like to know what is it that you really meant.