"When the players had the feeling that the right group was in the camp, that they knew their role, why they are in camp, what is expected of them, and they had the feeling that the tournament could even go on for another four weeks and they would be happy to be together... then they were successful. It will be very important that we don't select just on talent, but also on what we need from a player."
"It's about what a player's social skills are... is he a good team-mate? Can he support if his role is maybe a supporting role? So, this is where the focus is. We need to find the right balance for the team and take it as an opportunity and take it as a dream coming true, to be part of a World Cup."
England's World Cup group includes Croatia, Panama and Ghana. Recent squad choices omitted Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish while recalling Jordan Henderson. England won all eight World Cup qualifiers without conceding, scoring 22 goals. Friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in March will precede final squad selection. Selection criteria will emphasize footballing ability plus social skills, communication, clarity of role and willingness to accept supporting duties. Successful tournament camps require a cohesive group that understands roles, connects well and is happy to spend extended time together. Final selection aims for the right balance of talent and team cohesion.
Read at Soccer News
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]