++ [ originally posted by Shadowfax ] ++
I know what your saying though about the shirt.... personally i see this as the negative a non english manager has brought with him.... prior to svens arrival i cannot remember seeing an england side play without passion even if we were crap... it is something we were allways known for and many good outings were purely down to that rather than our ability..... this is why i am and always will be opposed to anything other than an english manager.
I actually now agree with this view. Initially, under Sven we were doing OK, I was prepared to ignore this for a while. Recently though we have been utter tripe. There is certainly not a lack of quality (except with the likes of campbell) on the whole we have some top quality players.
They obviosuly don't have their heart in it anymore, which is sad, and I agree the manager has to take some of the blame. Under Keegan, Hoddle etc at least they gave 100% effort, despte the fact they were often poor. Noways I get the distinct impression they aren't even trying to win games.
I must say the players must take some of the blame. Beckham is not an ideal captain, we need somebody to stir the troops, give them a roasting. I think we miss Shearer in that respect, but Gerrard could do it IMO