Who’s to blame for England failings?

The inquest into England’s woeful display at the World Cup finals will continue for months, but who is to blame for the shambles in South Africa?

Should Fabio Capello shoulder the blame, or do England’s underachieving stars have to take it on the chin?

It’s a difficult question, but surely both parties should take a share of the responsibility?

Considering England are ranked eight by FIFA, they should have been nailed-on quarter-finalists at the tournament. But the Three Lions fell well short of that losing 4-1 in the round of 16 to a youthful German side. A last-eight defeat to Argentina would have been more readily accepted, but a thumping reverse to Germany – in a game England failed to shine in – simply wasn’t good enough.

Capello has to take the majority of the blame. It was the Italian who stuck rigidly to a 4-4-2 and failed to employ a plan B when things failed to click into gear in the group stages.

He had plenty of opportunity to switch tactics after miserable group showings, especially the 0-0 draw with Algeria. Admittedly, if it wasn’t for Rob Green’s mistake England would have edged past the USA, but things needed shaking up despite the 1-0 success over Slovenia in the final group clash.

The manager knew how Germany would line up with Joachim Loew’s emphasis on midfield possession and sharp movement, but still he went with two central midfielders and we were torn to pieces.

Still for all Capello’s lack of guile, the players he fielded should have applied themselves. They seem incapable of gelling into a team and remain a bunch of talented individuals, unable to work together at the highest level.