A change in coaching philosophies needed in order to move forward

The British concept of the ‘beautiful game’ is anything but beautiful, as a nation we promote the ideals of grit, determination and bravery that embody the stereotypical bulldog spirit. Wayne Rooney, our most celebrated product of the last decade, has been manufactured to blend these characteristics into his portfolio of tricks and flicks. Whilst this defines him as one of the most talented footballers in this modern era, he is perhaps the diamond in amongst the rough of technically inferior individuals that have emerged from our academies.
Gareth Southgate, the FA’s head of elite development...