Give Pearce a Part-time Chance, We've Got Nothing to Lose

Last Wednesday’s friendly against Holland provided some interesting revelations about this current England team. For one, Fabio Capello’s work over the last few years has yielded little fruit, save for the necessary (and welcome) introduction of a new generation of players to take the mantle from the forever disappointing ‘old guard’ when it comes to the international scene. It was the under-21 coach Stuart Pearce who took charge in the 3-2 defeat last week and for the most part he was correct in fielding a youthful team to aid several players in their transition to the senior side. He was explicit in stating his motives: ‘It is disappointing but the object of the exercise was to learn.’ He would have learned that it is not a question of a lack of ability, but a lack of experience that is a problem, and will be for any side featuring players such as Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge, Phil Jones, Fraizer Campbell or Chris Smalling. Even the older heads are not exactly used to the national setup – captain Scott Parker, at the age of 31, was earning just his 11th cap, and Gary Cahill his eighth. Until Arjen Robben’s last minute winner England had done well to fight back from two goals down, belying the relative inexperience of the squad in terms of collective caps.

Subsequently, the question was raised to Pearce about a summer job. He replied that he is available should the Football Association be unable to install a new manager before the upcoming European Championships. Since then, general secretary Alex Horne has revealed that the new man will not be appointed until near the end of this season. This would give a month, perhaps five weeks, for the new man to imprint his ideas upon those who will wear the white shirt in Ukraine against France on June 11^th. It is a meagre amount of time for any incoming boss to really get inside the heads of his players, for that is what is required if England are to succeed in any way. Pearce, however, knows his players extremely well, especially those whom he took to the 2009 under-21 Championship final. There is some pedigree there, despite what may be said about his managerial ability. Five years with the under-21s in an age where managers come and go as quickly as Lionel Messi is a sign of excellent loyalty to his country and it would be harsh not to allow him his shot at the big time.

Nobody is trying to convince anyone otherwise, but the side currently and bizarrely ranked fifth in the world by FIFA are not exactly favourites for this competition. The rejuvenated French, the youthful and efficient Germans and the love-in at the Spanish camp headed by Xavi and Iniesta are all well ahead of England in most ways. Were Don Fabio still in charge, that familiar national expectation that builds up the Three Lions to a footing akin to winning a World War would inevitably be astronomical. Were anyone new in charge (for example, a certain Mr. Redknapp of White Hart Lane, N17) that expectation increases several-fold, understandably but wrongly. With Pearce in charge, that expectation would certainly be diminished. This is not a bad thing. England might just be able to get on with the job of getting past France, Sweden and Ukraine without a public outpouring of anger, exasperation and eternal condemnation for their country’s footballers. Who knows where a good run in the group stage might lead?

Seeing as England are in all probability not going to win the Euros, let us spare the country the ‘build ‘em up high to knock ‘em down low’ mentality and give Pearce a chance to do what he can with a team that will need more than just the period between May and June to be moulded into a competitive force on the world stage. Another shake-up in terms of squad selection and possibly captaincy so close to a major tournament is going to do more harm than good. Psycho, as he became affectionately known, has missed penalties when it matters and therefore has something in common with several players. He might just impart some wisdom and that personal touch. He’s been there before as a player. He’s already there now as a manager.