Everybody expects the Spanish inquisition. Everybody expects a team containing such nimble ball-users as Barcelona’s Bojan, Jeffren and Thiago Alcantara, let alone Valencia’s Juan Mata or Athletic Bilbao’s boy wonder Iker Muniain if he recovers from illness, to trouble England as the European Under-21 Championship Group B sparks into life on Sunday.
Stuart Pearce will field a good side in the Herning Stadium, offering the pace of Daniel Sturridge, the midfield prompting of Jordan Henderson and the strong central-defensive axis of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. To their mild annoyance, England have spent the build-up being lectured on their limitations and Spanish potency. Frequent mention has been made of Barcelona being European champions and Spain conquering the world.
Pearce had heard enough. He came in from a vigorous final training session in Fredericia, calves bursting from his socks, a message leaping from his lips. "The Spanish are decent, but they didn’t win their qualifying group," Pearce pointed out. "Last time we came up against them [at Euro 2009] we beat them 2-0. Our Under-17s turned them over, our Under-19s drew with them."
He acknowledged their qualities. "Spain are an exciting nation at the moment," reflected Pearce. "They have talented players. Barcelona are a great team. It excites me to watch them, learning from them. I don’t fear that." Fitting Pearce’s own demeanour, Henderson, Sturridge and Danny Welbeck will run at Spain, playing with respect but no fear.
Pearce has instilled a strong camaraderie in this squad, a trait reflected in a cameo yesterday when Jones and Welbeck walked to the bus, bantering heavily, brothers in arms, although they could also have been swapping views on Manchester United. Welbeck is regarded enough by Sir Alex Ferguson to be included in his plans for next season while Jones will join once negotiations with Blackburn’s owners are completed. England has talent.
"Technically, we’re underestimated," argued the West Ham centre half, James Tomkins, slightly riled by a blast of criticism from Thiago. "They just see us as these big people who can’t play football. We can play good football. Barcelona are a one-off at the minute. They are a 'freakish' team if you think about what they’ve achieved and how they dominate every game.
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