Press Reaction - A reason to hate this country?

[Daniel_Nash]

From DailySoccer.com

"It's not the end of the World (It just feels like it)".
That was the headline on the front page of the Sun, Britain's biggest selling newspaper, as the press here Monday tried to come to terms with England's 1-1 World Cup opening draw with Sweden.

The Sun reflected a general mood of uncertainty about England's prospects with a typically punning headline above its main match report: "It's Swede and Sour".

However, it tried to strike a positive note by saying England had often done better in the World Cup when they had not won their opening match. For example, in 1990 England reached the semi-finals after a 1-1 draw in their first group fixture against Ireland.

By contrast, beating France 3-1 in 1982 was the prelude to a second round exit as was a 2-0 victory over Tunisia in 1998. But the paper struggled to contain its disappointment. "This is an ordinary England football team which drew with another ordinary football team."

England's Swedish coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has enjoyed generally positive coverage in the British press since the furore about appointing a foreign coach subsided. But he did not escape unscathed after this result. "Is Sven Graham Taylor in disguise" asked the Sun in a critical comment about Eriksson's use of long-ball tactics made famous by his England predecessor.

Ok, it's the Sun we can let it off for over reacting and being so superficial and not considering all angles, jumping to conclusions and not giving any room for other opinions. They turn on the man who guided England from being outside chances to even qualify to topping the group. Really helpful! As always! However, the track history of opening games is laid out... so i guess it's no surprise England failed to impress.

"Becklash" headlined the Star, in a reference to England captain David Beckham's warning that a similarly poor display against tournament favourites Argentina would see England exit the World Cup.
But his and England's assertion that he was back to full fitness ahead of this match, despite being out for two months with a broken foot, was ridiculed.

TWO months without playing a game, is anyone really surprised he isn't 100% match fit?? you can be as fit as a fiddle by working out and training hard for 2 months, but you can't get match fit without playing games. Surely the Star realise this, or maybe they don't actually. A myth? Is he Superman then? Stick to what you do best, show some tits and stop being an even lower brow version of the Sun.

"They told us that Beckham was naturally fit," said the Daily Mail. "It proved to be nothing but a myth," the tabloid added after the Manchester United midfielder was substituted in the 63rd minute.
Also under the spotlight was full-back Danny Mills, whose defensive error led to Sweden's equaliser.

Same as the Star, what do you expect? 2 months without playing a game is a long time. As for Danny Mills? he made an error, he made up for it.. the rest of the defence stood and stared as Alexandersson shot the ball. They weren't even in a line across the goal to try and block it, a line behind one another, and infront of Seaman! Come on guys, it only happened a few hours ago. Surely they haven't forgotten already?

"He is a good solid type," said broadsheet daily The Times. "But he wouldn't be your first choice for a Sweet Skills soccer video." However, not every sports follower in England was downcast by England's exploits.

This refers to Danny Mills. I didn't realise that defenders had to be Mr Skill. I thought their job was to tackle, break up play and feed the ball forward. Bit harsh on him, he's a young man with a temper.. he controlled the temper, he needs to learn how to play at International Competitions now.

Proving the point, Monday's Daily Mirror recorded the national cricket team going 1-0 up in its Test series against Sri Lanka by saying: "Cheer up. At least there was one English victory to celebrate yesterday. "And Sven's lot might be home in time to see another at Old Trafford next week."

Oh how times change, soon as one thing looks good and the other is less that brilliant they turn on the England football team and praise the cricket team - who for so long struggled to impress.