Forget about the manager.

Kind of agree, Anfeild. But I have a feeling that a team like the one Ireland put out regularly, which is made of up of players that are pretty average in terms of the club sides they play for, would have put up a much better performance than England did against Germany today. There is a shortfall in intelligence in the way England play that reflects poorly on both the players and the coaching staff.

Milner clearly is an average player by international standards. But he did at least make some kind of impact for England in this WC, in good part because he  set about his task with some degree of footballing intelligence. By contrast, Gerrard today made some abysmal decisions when he was in possession in goal threatening positions and, as we know, Terry's and Upson's reading of the game from the back was utterly awry.

Yes, Ireland would have put up a better performance because unlike england they would have known their limiatations and played to their strengths. Ireland would have played Peter Crouch but England think they can play passing football like the top teams whenever they dont have the players good enough to do so.

I disagree England players underperform in an england jersey. They are just not as good as the hype that surrounds them.