Classic Post of an Old Favourite: "Fabio versus The FA" or "Whose Side is it Anyway?"

Robert Green was Fabio's man; he made the decision I would make. On the eve of the opening 2010 World Cup match against the reborn and improved United States, England manager Fabio Capello chose Robert Green over David James to start in goal for jolly old England that night in South Africa. I will not regale you with my earlier musings on David James and his ineptitude in big games, but Robert Green did have a reputation for stealing games, and playing against impossible odds. Fabio knew that, too, and chose Green.

England led 1-0 after an early goal from Steven Gerrard to open the contest. Then, this happened...

Embarrassment to say the least. As in the Nike commercials of soccer lore, Green wrote the future. Watching the game in my living room, I made a correct yet insensitive remark, "No matter how well he plays, he will never play for his country in the World Cup again."

Insensitive because we all have moments like this, or at least worse (see Jim Marshall). Robert Green made a mistake, but he should never be under a bus. If you claim your team is a favourite, and if I have more fingers on my hand than you have "goals scored", you don't deserve to win. No one goalie blunder can erase that.

Second, I was correct because Robert Green was Fabio's man, and not the FA's man: David James. Since 1966, The Football Association (of England) undermines and overrules its managers at every turn. The shift from a "player's coach" like Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson, to "company men" like Sven-Goran Eriksson and Ron Greenwood happens with clockwork regularity. You can read the full history of England's managers on Wikipedia, yet when strong-willed and popular managers get too close to their players (see Sir Alf, 1974 World Cup qualifying...be patient it's a long example), or when "company men" prove how their ineptness for the job (see Graeme Taylor, 1994 World Cup qualifying), these managers get the axe.

My favourite example comes from 1977 - The FA hold interviews for the manager vacancy after the resignation of Don Revie. Popular, outspoken, and uncontrollable manager Brian Clough is a front runner for the job, but he interviews before a preliminary panel. The FA already made their decision: Ron Greenwood. He lasts five years: Failing to qualify for the 1978 World Cup, group stage in the Euro 1980, and the second round in the 1982 World Cup. Meanwhile, Clough wins one league championship in 1978, and back-to-back European Club Championships in 1979 and 1980 with Nottingham Forest. Hmm...

What will it take to rid England of the snake-bitten label? Who is in charge of England for Euro 2012: Fabio or The FA? Will David James be in goal again?

As for Robert Green, he never did tend goal again for England in the 2010 World Cup. David James, who became Fabio's "reluctant" choice goaltender, guided England out of the group stage. As expected they faced stiff opposition in Germany in the second round; as expected, David James and England folded up like pup tents 4-1 to the Germans. What? No sound?!

For the record, Robert Green is still my man for the job.

Now, Elton John will sing Candle in the Wind.