It was Fabio Capello’s lowest moment. In the immediate aftermath of the humiliating 4-1 defeat by Germany at the 2010 World Cup, as he surveyed the wreckage of his South African campaign, he said wistfully: ‘I remember Denmark in 1992, they came straight off the beach to win the European Championship.’
In truth, it was an admission of failure. He had just watched England’s supposedly world-class players not just being out-passed and out-classed by a young Germany side in one match but staggering through the entire tournament in a zombie-like state, devoid of energy or enthusiasm.
Capello could not help but contrast it to the joy of other nations at World Cups and European Championships. The ultimate example were those victorious Danes in 1992, a team invited to participate only at the last moment after the expulsion of Yugoslavia and who had literally been summoned from the beaches to play.
If England will not go quite that far in the run-up to Euro 2012, Capello will still be trying something similar. Having concluded that the primary reason for English failures at major tournaments is lethargy, both mental and physical, Capello is searching for a psychological trip-switch to free the players from the straitjacket of fear and fatigue that inhibits them.
So boot camp is out for 2012; beach camp is the way forward. England are off to Marbella to prepare for Euro 2012. And while the training facilities will be first class, there will also be a distinctly more relaxed air surrounded by the playboy yachts, the palm trees and a sparkling sea under the Andalusian sun.
Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk
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