Euro 2012: why england lost!

As I watched jubilant Italian players hug one another after a brilliant performance against England at the ongoing Euro 2012  in Poland and Ukraine, I sat back in my living room in Los Angeles, California wondering why England always keeps on failing at very vital moments in soccer? Is it a curse from the devil? What is England doing wrong? What will it take for England to regain it's glory in soccer? These were some of the questions that flashed through my mind.

As an African proverb says, "You do not look for a black goat at night." Needless apportioning blames over the defeat; but some serious thinking and reflection needs to be made if England is to shake off the cloak of defeats that have been dangling over it's head since their triumph in the 1966 world cup. This nation, that has given soccer practically every credibility that soccer has, deserves something to show for it. Does it mean that England cannot win any major soccer title except it is hosted in England?

Frankly speaking, I believe that one of the reasons England lost out to Italy was "The lack of belief and convinction" in some of the players that they could do it! I can still vividly see the fright in Ashley Youngs face, as he stepped up to face Gianluigi Buffon in that moment of decision. He looked so scared and unsure to me. There was not a single look of confidence in his face! He didn't look like that "confident aggressive Manchester United attacker, who tormented defenses in the English premiere League." Same goes for Ashley Cole, who prior to his penalty blunder, had played out his heart at the left full back position. How on earth  Roy Hodgson could have chosen a left footed defender to take a vital penalty kick, when he could have brought in Theo Walcott and Jermain Defoe into the game, knowing that the game might be decided on penalty kicks, beats my imagination!

One cannot help but notice that over the years, England remains one of the countries who have failed to realize the importance of bringing in naturalized citizens into their national team. Even countries like Germany, and Italy who are very nationalistic, have moved on! Particularly German. We have seen scores of foreign born players in German colors in the last couple of years. Italy is doing that with Balotelli today. England must seek out players with talent and passion for the game, and find ways to attract them to appear in English colors.

Finally, it's my opinion that England needs young, energetic players in the national team. The EPL is very rich in talents. Coaches must stop recycling old horses. Take time to comb the entire league for vibrant players. I wish Roy Hodgson all the luck in the world, as he continues with the task of qualifying England to the 2014 world cup in Brazil!