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England is no longer a major sporting power, and hasn’t been for quite some time.
I will preface this argument with the idea that England’s three national sports that are played internationally are, for all intents and purposes, football, cricket and rugby.
Gone are the days of England being a strong presence at a world championship event in these sports, with the last successful World Cup campaign coming in rugby a vast 13 years ago, followed not so swiftly by England winning the FIFA World Cup 50 years ago. Cricket? Well, a World Cup is still yet to be won in that discipline.
England’s grasp on such sports has not only slipped, but has been reduced to that of a frail, elderly man.
It is not due to a lack of talent or depth; it is a result of a lack of direction and togetherness. Look at the last World Cups in each of the three disciplines.
Firstly, the FIFA World Cup in 2014, where England was flush with stars of the game yet they completely lacked direction and flow. They did not even make it out of the group stages, losing to Italy, Uruguay and failing to beat Costa Rica.
At the Cricket World Cup in 2015, England had a very good set of players. And what happened? They completely crumbled under the pressure of the situation, again failing to make it out of the group stages after losing to Bangladesh.
What about the 2015 Rugby World Cup? Surely a tournament being held in England itself would see the hosts through to the knock-out stages? Nope, we again saw England lose their composure and fail to make it out of the group stages, failing to beat an understrength Welsh side.
These teams have greatness within them, yet they have infallibly managed to display an intense mediocrity that is, quite simply, inexcusable.
Whether it’s Rooney, Robshaw or Root, football, rugby or cricket, the problem is not a lack of talent or depth. There is no cohesiveness.
So what is the point in all of this? Sure, England may no longer be predominantly strong when it comes to their three main sporting codes, but what relevance does this have?
Simple, sport is better when England is strong. Much like every other facet of entertainment, the world of sport needs a villain. The world of sport needs England.
England have the tools, they just need to rearrange their tool belt.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.