England must improve technique - Alberto
Brazil legend Carlos Alberto maintains England players must
'improve their technique' if they are to compete with the best in
the world.
New national team boss Fabio Capello feels he has the talent within
the squad to lead a successful qualifying campaign for the 2010
World Cup and declared there was no reason why England should not
be able to lift the trophy in South Africa.
However, the man who led Brazil to a victory over Italy in the 1970
final in Mexico - netting a famous goal - believes the likes of
Steven Gerrard and company need to raise their game to another
level.
'The most important thing that can happen to English players is
that they improve their technique,' Alberto, 63, told BBC
Sport.
'Technical skills like dribbling, good movement, the ability to
pick a pass are key to breaking teams down - but you just don't see
it when England play, their style is always the same.
'They never changed, they never improvised and they never improved.
They put the high ball into the area and try to head it in, but
they need to focus on more technical skills.'
Capello has promised to restore pride to the players when they pull
on the Three Lions shirt.
However, Alberto believes there needs to be a complete rethink of
their approach to the game.
'I also have the feeling that the England players need to change
their mentality, the spirit with which they play football,' he
declared. 'Sometimes they play as if they do not feel the
game.
'I hope they understand these things and try to change because
every other country changed a long time ago.'
quoted from soccernet. i think this applies to RAFAEL BENITEZ too
and some other epl teams.. STOP PUMPING LONG BALL AS IF ANYONE IS
GOING TO HEAD THEM IN.