Folwer: Credit the England Players not the Coach

Robbie Folwer believes that if England go on to win the World Cup it will in spite of Sven Gn Erikson's coaching, not because of it.

Fowler told the Liverpool Echo:

You can't escape the feeling that something isn't right and that must come down to the manager. I've nothing personal against Eriksson - despite playing under him for a few years, I barely know him - these are just concerns I know many fans have.

I would love nothing more than to see England triumph in Berlin on July 9 yet can we rely on Eriksson to make the right decisions at the right times when the competition enters the knockout stages?"

Fowler was also bemused by some of the tactical decisions made by Eriksson during the Paraguay match.

Michael Owen might have had better games than he had in Frankfurt but, even still, the decision to substitute him was a curious one. Michael is a world-class player and a world-class finisher who is always likely to get you a goal out of nothing.

He has just had 17 weeks off with a broken foot and is fighting his way back to fitness and needs all the minutes on the pitch he can get. Why, then, drag him off when England were in control and retreat into a defensive shell?

Fowler also criticised Eriksson's deployment of club-mate Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool captain has been an inspiration for Liverpool forcing Liverpool to victories with his attacking style and scoring important goals. However, for England, Erikson has him playing a much more reserved role.

I can't understand why Eriksson doesn't allow Stevie to do for his country what he does so magnificently for Liverpool. Think of all the midfielders playing in the tournament and then try to name two or three better than Stevie. Almost impossible.

I just can't fathom why Eriksson continues to place so much defensive responsibility on him.

None of this stuff is really anything new, many fans feel Erikson lacks tactical knowledge and is not getting the best out of his England squad. Calling up Walcott was just one more perplexing decision by the Swede. The problem really lies, however, is when England look short they are just instucted/encouraged to revert back to a long-ball game that rearely works at the top level.

Erickson inherited one of the best squads England has ever had, I would think only Graham Taylor would be worse. Let's just hope that they players pick up things themselves and tackle the games the way they KNOW they should be handled.