Muller blasts England flops
GERMANY star Thomas Muller, whose two goals helped send England tumbling out of the World Cup in disgrace, believes Fabio Capello’s side floundered because they have too many “alpha males”.
England’s wretched and short-lived campaign in South Africa was dogged by rumours of unrest in the camp, with midfielder Joe Cole since admitting there were “issues” that need to be addressed.
And Muller has reinforced that feeling by painting a bleak picture of England – beaten 4-1 by Germany in Sunday’s second-round clash – as being psychologically flawed and lacking a team ethic.
“England have so many top stars in their squad that they will always be part and parcel of the international football scene. But there are so many alpha males. It is difficult to have so many alpha males and have them row in the same direction,” said the Bayern Munich midfielder.
“You don’t only need only chiefs, you also need a few Indians. You need people who are ready and willing to do the hard work. It may be a problem with England that players are simply not mentally prepared to go that extra mile for their team-mates.”
Muller’s comments come as England chiefs mull over Capello’s future, although there are increasing suggestions that the Italian will be allowed to see out the remaining two years of his contract.
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, an influential member of the Football Association board and a close ally of Club England chairman Sir Dave Richards, has already backed Capello to keep his job.
It is also thought that Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA’s development chief and another key
player, would prefer to retain the former Real Madrid boss.