England 2018 must do homework

While England prepares its bid for the 2018 World Cup, Jonny Payne asks European Under-21 tournament organisers for their advice on hosting a major championship in the modern era of fan parks, corporate hospitality and football tourism.

England will compete to host the 2018 World Cup finals; its first since 1966 - and we all know what happened there.

The last time England hosted a major international football tournament was in 1996, when Terry Venables’ men made it to the semi-finals only to lose a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out to old foes, Germany. If England does win the right to host the 2018 tournament then it will therefore be its first for 22 years.

Euro’96 was deemed to be a great success as football “came home”, captivating the nation; but the whole tournament experience has been evolving in recent years and England will need to keep up with the changes.

Look no further than the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The tournament saw the advent of fan parks; where fans without tickets can watch the matches, and fans with tickets can warm-up with a few pints, play some games and catch-up on football highlights. It is a tough act to follow.

Sweden hosted the European Under-21 Championships in June and tried to emulate the German idea of fan parks - albeit on a smaller scale. The idea seemed to work according to tournament organiser, Karl-Erik Nilsson.

“In a big European Championship the fan zones are there to take care of people who come without tickets in their thousands. The fan zones in a tournament such as the Under-21s are there because we want to keep up the interest for the tournament not only on match days, so this is a way to remind people that there is a tournament going on.”

Nilsson believes that the contribution of the host cities as well as some luck is vitally important for a successful competition. “The host cities are so important to create something more than just the matches. You also need some good luck with the weather, for example, and a quite successful home team because that keeps up the interest on a domestic level. The last two points you cannot plan for but you can hope for.”

Sweden was lucky in both respects; its team made it to the semi-final and the tournament took place in scorching sunlight throughout the two weeks.

Sweden has also launched a joint bid with Norway for Euro2016. Nilsson believes that by hosting the successful European under-21 Championships it could give them an advantage in the bidding process.

“If we do a good under-21 tournament and everything else between the bidders is equal of course this is a good memory for people who have been here and perhaps could act as a support for the Swedish bid. On the contrary, a bad performance here could have been negative so from that perspective it was important.”

Andreas Meimermondt, LOC (Local Organising Committee) project manager for Helsingborg agrees: “I definitely think that this tournament has increased Sweden’s chances of hosting a future major tournament. Sweden has put an application in for Euro2016 and it has never been hidden that this is a dress rehearsal or a show of faith for Euro2016.”

The west coast of Sweden was chosen as the venue for the tournament as opposed to Stockholm because, according to Nilsson, the host cities need to be close to one another in geographical terms. Something, which the former referee stresses, should be considered for England’s bid “The main thing is that you need to have venues not too far from each other because the team has to travel and you also need to have a good infrastructure.”

Hosting a tournament is a major part of the football history of the country something, Nilsson believes, England need to consider when hosting a World Cup. He said: “If England host the tournament it is important to remember that even if you are in the middle of hard work, you are writing a chapter in the history of English football and that’s a big thing and it’s easy to forget that when you are in your own world.”

Meimermondt believes that England should not toe the line for FIFA if they do win the right to stage the biggest football competition on the planet. “My advice to England is don’t be pushovers. It’s very easy to become pushovers to UEFA or FIFA in this. You have to adapt to their demands but you also have to make sure that you don’t compromise what is your reason to doing this and your drive in this process. And it’s very easily done.”

Thomas Walfridsson, the LOC project manager for Gothenburg states that the preparation for a championship is all-important. His advice for England 2018 is to “do your homework and then it will be a great tournament.” He adds: “If you are well prepared then it’s much easier. Start to plan everything in time.”

If England does win the right to host the World Cup it is evident that there is a lot of work to be done, but if it goes as smoothly as the Under-21 tournament, then it could potentially be one of the greatest shows on earth.

Berg: Playing in England a 'dream'

Sweden striker Marcus Berg, who has made headlines with seven goals in four matches during the tournament, says it would be a dream to play in England.

The FC Groningen striker's performances have alerted a number of clubs in the Premier League, with Aston Villa among the clubs rumoured to be interested.

Berg said: "It’s a dream to play in a top league in the world and I think England is one of them so it’s a dream of course."

Berg was named as player of the tournament, receiving a standing ovation from the home supporters at the final on Monday night. He was presented with the trophy by former Sweden striker Henrik Larsson at the post-match press conference.

The former IFK Gothenburg player, who moved to the Dutch outfit for £3.5 million in 2008, scored 17 goals for his club last season and has already played for the Swedish senior national team.

Photo Credit: Antoon

The only way is up for Joe Lewis

Joe Lewis must have his head in the clouds. The 6ft 6ins goalkeeper was playing in the fourth tier of English football two years ago, but a senior England call-up, two promotions and a run-out in the European Under-21 Championships later, and the Norwich-born stopper is only looking upwards.

The Peterborough goalkeeper only played 45 minutes for England as they reached the final, but with first-choice goalkeeper Joe Hart suspended for the crucial game, Lewis was in with a chance of starting. Stuart Pearce, the England coach however chose to place his trust in Scott Loach, who conceded a disastrous goal in England’s four-goal mauling.

Lewis’ 45 minutes came against Germany in the final group game. Coming on at half time in place of Loach, he didn’t have too much to do but he was happy with his contribution. ”I was comfortable I wasn’t put under a great deal of pressure but I thoroughly enjoyed it and you are always interested in playing a part in the tournament and I think I played my part.”

Lewis is clearly just happy to be in the England manager’s plans. Speaking of his call-up to the under-21 squad travelling to Sweden, he said: “I was delighted. I had been in the squads leading up to it, but it was really good to be included it’s great to come away and train with the players in the squad, we’ve got some top draw players and it will only improve me as a player.”

It has been a dramatic climb to stardom for the 22 year-old and he will be playing against more world-class talent this season as his Peterborough side face the likes of Newcastle and Middlesbrough in the Championship - something Lewis is relishing. “It's great for the club, great for the fans, there are some massive games. We’re thoroughly looking forward to that but we won’t be overawed, we’re all in the same league by right we got so we won’t be scared of teams.”

Lewis believes that Peterborough are not just there to make up the numbers. “We’ve got a young squad that improves every year and we’ve got one or two special players in there that I certainly think can go one step further and play Premiership football. We’ve got a young enthusiastic manager who backs the team and he’s signed some very good players.”

The manager is none other than Darren Ferguson, son of legendary Manchester United boss, Sir Alex, and he is showing signs that he could one day follow in his father’s footsteps.

There were rumors linking Lewis with a Premiership move following his shock call-up to the England senior squad last year for the match against Trinidad and Tobago, but Lewis dismisses the speculation insisting that he is currently happy where he is. “We’ve had back-to-back promotions now so it would be a silly time for anyone to leave the club I feel,” he said.

But what about another call-up to the seniors and a chance to pull on the famous Three Lions shirt?

“That’s the ultimate aim for any English goalkeeper to play for England, but I’m not going to get ahead of myself. Club-wise I’m going to keep playing and try to impress at the Championship level. At the moment I’m unproven at that level so it’s another step for me. I’ve got to prove to certain people and to myself that I’m good enough for that.

“Fingers crossed in a few years time if I’m playing well for the club then I can look at making the senior squad.”

If Lewis continues to improve at the vast rate he has, then that England cap may not be long in coming.

Pearce has no complaints

Stuart Pearce has no complaints as his side were outplayed in last night's final by a free-scoring Germany, losing the match by four goals to nil.

The England under-21 coach said: "I must congratulate the German side to win any final is an achievement and to win 4-0 in a final is a big achievement."

Pearce admits to being hurt by the performance and notes that the players were disappointed after their resounding defeat.

"It hurts, it hurts me, the players are crestfallen in the dressing room and I expected that of them," he said.

"We have to learn by it it’s a harsh lesson we had to watch Germany go up and lift the trophy in front of our eyes. But credit to them I can't take anything away form their coach and their team, they played doggedly in all five matches once they got here and credit to them."

With Gabriel Agbonlahor and Frazier Campbell suspended for the final, Theo Walcott was forced to play as a lone striker, something that he has not previously had experience of.

Pearce brushed off criticism that he had limited himself to striking options when he replaced the injured Danny Welbeck with midfielder, Danny Rose, before the tournament.

"From the offset we said its going to be a 23 man squad I have to stick by that now, we went into the semi final with 23 fit players and no suspended players, and by the time we got into the final we lost three of those."

German coach, Horst Hrubesch was visibly delighted with the result, he said: "I am proud of the team especially with a four goal difference. The team started well and they scored at the right time. The only thing that I was worried about at half time was that we had the chance to decide the match earlier and we did not, so I was very relieved to see the team continuing to play."

Mesut Ozil was the stand-out player for Germany, and Pearce admits he was a handful.

The former Manchester City manager said: "I think he’s an outstanding player who’s played very well in the tournament. He takes up intelligent positions on the pitch and hes been one of Germany's major players in this tournament - he was a threat to us without a doubt."

Pearce will now be planning for the next under-21 tournament in two years time. He will however have to do without a number of players who had key roles in ensuring England's final appearance, as James Milner and Mark Noble, amongst others, will be ineligible for the next competition.

Match Report: Final- England v Germany

Germany's players lift the trophy after a dominant display

If this tournament has provided optimism for England's young prospects, then ninety minutes has all but shattered the feel-good factor in one foul swoop, with Germany dominating long-periods of a game they eventually won by four goals to nil.

In truth the scoreline did flatter the Germans, but the win did not. Stuart Pearce's side capitulated in the second half, conceding three goals in the final 45 minutes for the second game in a row.

Mesut Ozil proved to be the catalyst to the win which will no doubt be celebrated in Germany for years to come. The Gelsenchirchen-born, Turkish bred, midfielder set Gonzalo Castro up for the first, he then scored the second from a long-range free-kick. The schemer then released Sandro Wagner on the left for the third goal and played a part in the fourth; Wagner producing two clinical finishes in the final 11 minutes.

England had no reply and were lacking in strength upfront while they looked disorganised at the back - not a good day at the office.

Stuart Pearce decided to hand the gloves to Scott Loach for his first start of the tournament while Theo Walcott started as the lone-striker, replacing the suspended Gabriel Agbonlahor and Frazier Campbell. Adam Johnson filled in on the left, in place of the jet-heeled Arsenal player.

Germany, meanwhile, welcomed their captain Sami Khedira back into their midfield. Sandro Wagner was introduced upfront in place of Ashkan Dejagah - who was also serving his suspension, having picked up his second booking of the tournament against Italy.

England started brightly, passing the ball around with confidence. Milner and Johnson on the wings looked lively in the first 10 minutes, but Germany gradually asserted their dominance on the match as the first-half continued.

Ozil and Sami Khedira were pulling the strings in midfield and Sandro Wagner was dropping-deep to link up. The full-backs, Andreas Beck and Sebastian Boenisch, looked to overlap at every opportunity.

Ozil had already given England an early warning. He made space for himself and slipped a ball through to Khedira as he ran into the box, his touch took him wide and it was cleared by England.

England did not heed the warning, however, when in the 23^rd minute, Ozil was again afforded time and space to place an inch-perfect through-ball to Gonzalo Castro. The Bayer Leverkusen winger drew Scott Loach out, and chipped it over the onrushing Watford-man. The ball nestled effortlessly into the bottom corner - it was Castro's second of the tournament, both against England.

It was no more than the German team deserved, and they continued to play the ball around with confidence, looking quick and decisive on the break. Germany were also trying their luck from range. First Sebastian Boenisch, then Ozil, shot from distance - the first tipped wide by Loach and the second a dipping free-kick which took a deflection from the wall, narrowly clearing the bar.

England were struggling to gain control in midfield with every ball aimed at Walcott coming straight back. The pint-sized Arsenal striker was not getting much change out of the giant Jerome Boateng and Benedikt Howedes in the air.

Germany went into half-time knowing that with their strong defensive record, they would have a good chance of taking the trophy home.

Pearce decided to introduce Michael Mancienne for Nedum Onuoha at half-time in a tactical change, but three minutes after the restart, it was 2-0.

Ozil stood over a free-kick, 35-yards from goal. He tried an audacious shot and the ball swerved, wrong-footing Loach. The goalkeeper sent out a flailing hand, but it was not strong enough to keep out the midfielder's effort and the ball bounced over the line.

Milner was trying hard to create an opening, twisting and turning Boenisch at every opportunity. The Aston Villa striker managed to beat his marker and two other German defenders with some quick-footwork in the 61st minute. He raced to the byline and pulled a low ball back to Johnson. Somehow the Middlesbrough player failed to get enough contact on the ball and Andreas Beck cleared from under his own bar.

Johnson then turned provider, as his corner was headed towards goal by Lee Cattermole, but Beck was there again to clear from the line.

Those opportunities had to go in if England were to have any chance of getting back in the game, but soon their fate was sealed.

Eleven minutes from time, Sandro Wagner who had put in a good shift upfront, was sent through by Ozil, he steadied himself in the box before firing low between Loach's legs. The German bench, sensing victory, rushed to congratulate the striker, and England heads dropped.

Wagner's chances have been limited in this tournament, but he took his chance in this match, thriving from Ozil's service. Five minutes later, the Duisberg striker claimed his second and Germany's fourth. Castro played him through on the left of the box, and he cut inside on his right foot, curling a sumptuous effort past Loach and inside the far post. Game, set and match.

With the final whistle imminent, the German substitutes doused their manager with water, but no doubt there was something stronger on offer in the dressing room after the match.

Having already won the under-17 and under-19 crowns, Germany can now add the under-21 trophy to their glistening cabinet.

In Mesut Ozil, Germany have a new star, and he will no doubt be shining in bigger tournaments than this, as Germany undoubtedly having a bright future at international level.

In England meanwhile, the lackluster performance will again lead to questions as to whether an academy modeled on the French, Clairefontaine, is needed. A sorry end to a promising tournament.

Live Commentary: England v Germany

For live text commentary on the final of the European Under-21 Championships in Malmo, please click here 

Final Preview: England v Germany

These two old foes will meet each other in what is set to be another intriguing encounter, as England aim to win their first trophy at this level since 1984.

Both teams have shown glimpses of promise throughout the tournament, but ultimately they have risen to the top of what has been a poor tournament in terms of the quality of football - with no team really taking the tournament by the scruff of the neck.

England versus Germany is always an important game, at whatever level. Stuart Pearce will know the feeling of losing to the West Germans after his penalty miss in the World Cup semi-final shoot-out in 1990. In 1996 it was a similar story for Pearce, although he did not miss a penalty, England crashed out of the European Championships on penalties to Germany.

Pearce stresses though that history will have no effect on tonight's encounter. Speaking a the pre-match press conference yesterday, he said: "What's gone before is irrelevant...The only history we want to create is tomorrow night."

Germany coach, Horst Hrubesch agreed: "England have some advantage over us at set-pieces, but I don't think that will have any influence," he said.

The two teams squared-up in their Group B game in Halmstad last week with England finding more out about Germany than their opponents did about them. Stuart Pearce, the England coach, opted to name, in effect, his second string against the Germans with qualification already ensured.

Despite a supposedly weakened team and conceding within the first five minutes, England equalised and then took control of the game in the second half, playing some of their best football of the tournament to date.

Ahead of the final, there are suspensions for both sides. England will be without Gabriel Agbonlahor, their first choice striker and his deputy, Frazier Campbell, after a booking and a red card against Sweden respectively. Theo Walcott is therefore expected to take up the forward role, with Adam Johnson coming in on the left.

Joe Lewis or Scott Loach will come in for Joe Hart, who picked up his second yellow during the dramatic penalty shoot-out with Sweden. Both 'keepers played 45 minutes each of their previous meeting with Germany.

Germany are without striker, Ashkan Dejagah, through suspension after he picked up his second booking of the tournament in their semi-final win over Italy. Sandro Wagner is expected to take his place. Marko Marin, meanwhile, is struggling to be fit but Sami Khedira (pictured) should return after a spell on the sidelines.

Germany's defence is the strongest in the competition having only conceded one goal in their four games. Hrubesch maintains this strength could see them through. "We've got a very strong team with exceptional qualities, especially individually...We've played some very good football at times and this might be one of the strongest sides to ever to represent Germany at this level" the former West Germany international said.

Key to their "very good football" has been Mesut Ozil, the Werder Bremen midfield schemer, who some have likened to Diego. England will need to be wary of the Gelsenkirchen-born player as well as Gonzalo Castro, who scored against them in Halmstad.

Whatever happens, it is sure to be an intriguing night, and it could still be settled on penalties, as so often is the case between these two sides. England would be confident though as for once, they know they can hold their nerve.

Photo Credit: -bast-

England captain: It would be ‘unbelievable’ to lift the trophy

England Under-21 captain, Mark Noble, says he would love to lift the trophy after Monday’s final with Germany in Malmo.

The West Ham midfielder said: “That would be unbelievable I would love to do that, but we’ve got to win first and that’s the main thing.”

Despite taking an early lead against and increasing their advantage to three goals by half-time England crumbled in the second half of their semi-final against Sweden conceding three goals in twelve minutes - taking the match into extra-time and then penalties. The 22 year-old was taken off after 70 minutes with England leading 3-1.

Noble said: “We started really brightly, we have done the last couple of games, getting an early goal settles you down, and we got two more and we were cruising at the time. But obviously we got a bit complacent in the second half. But we dug in and went though extra-time and now we’re in the final, and no-one else cares about that game now.”

Noble watched on from the sidelines as his team-mates held on to force penalties, and he admitted that it was harder to watch than it would have been to take one. “It was worse standing there watching, obviously you’ve got good friends taking penalties and you dread it if they miss,” he said.

If previous encounters between the two countries are anything to go by, penalties may again decide England’s fate against Germany. If the penalties are as successful as they were against Sweden, Noble will be lifting the trophy - and then he will be able to believe it.

Photo Credit: Jonny Payne