England, Messi, the World Cup, and What’s Next?

Spain, World Champions
Extra Credit for Airbrushing Trump from their Official Photo

Spain: Worthy World Champions

So, the 2026 World Cup has come to an end. Spain were worthy World Cup winners, overcoming an Argentina side that relied on the only tactics that ever looked likely to bring them success.

Many England fans took pleasure in seeing the team that beat them in the semi-final turn to tears after a display in which Argentina employed all the dark arts. But love or loathe them, they did what they had to do. 

England versus Spain would probably have produced a better spectacle, although it may also have been far more one-sided. Had Argentina tried to match Spain in an open game, the final could easily have been even more comfortable. Their best hope was always that Messi would produce a moment of magic, or they would take the match to penalties.

Argentina: Graceful until the End

Argentina and Messi

It wasn’t Argentina’s fault in the semi-final that when 1-0 down and Messi hardly having a worthwhile kick, England committed tactical suicide and offered them a golden opportunity. The Three Lions gave them the only chance they had by defending so stupidly, more of which later.

Talking of Messi. There's a reason Messi is playing in MLS rather than one of Europe's elite leagues, just as Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney are in Saudi Arabia. In my view, at this stage of their careers, they are no longer at that level. Yet teams, in the case of Messi, stood off him, paralysed by fear rather than denying him space, the one way he could still cause havoc.

Messi received lots of vitriol throughout the tournament. It was claimed he was getting preferential treatment from FIFA with lots of memes and cartoons on the go. I don’t think he did, although he could easily have received a red card in his opening game. I think the reason for his dislike is that his career can be split into two.

Don't Cry for me Argentina

The two Messi Careers

The first half was when everyone loved the young genius at Barcelona, who was selfless and always got up after a challenge; then came post-2020. Lionel Scaloni had been appointed as Argentina's head coach, and Diego Maradona passed away. 

Until then, many Argentinians had little time for Messi. He never played pro football in the nation of his birth, with many considering him Spanish. He was too nice for the national psyche, whereas Maradona was loved because he would do anything to win and create national pride. The pride that perhaps explains the ill-judged Malvinas banner after the England game.

Anyone wanting to understand Argentine football, how much it matters, and why they are the way they are should watch the outstanding Once in a Lifetime YouTube series surrounding the 2022 World Cup.

To cut to the chase, Scaloni got Messi to become nastier, show more passion and integrate with the team. His popularity grew, becoming the type of player Argentinians admire. Which brings me very neatly around to England.

Land of Confusion - England after the Semi-Final

England, Dear England

As a nation, we English are much more reserved. Anyone who resorts to foul play is quickly vilified, which is nice, but not much use when it comes to games against those who’ll do anything to win. Especially against South American teams, when a weaker or less experienced referee takes control. 

That’s because the best refs are from South America or Europe and are unlikely to be appointed. FIFA usually appoint an American, African or Asian to avoid being accused of being biased. For what it’s worth, I thought the refs did OK in the semi-final or final for their ability range.

England is missing fighters and leaders in this team, aside from Jude Bellingham. Players who upset the opposition and their supporters. They seem to be a lovely bunch who are polite to the media. The media, who incidentally then stab them in the back at the earliest opportunity.

Where’s the Fight?

It’s very similar when England play Australia in the Ashes as when England play Argentina at football. Winning at sport matters massively. Two sporting rivals with plenty of historical baggage, wanting to put one over their enemy. England either allow it to happen or then spend their time whingeing about it afterwards. Why? I think the English are pampered.

In cricket, they are likely to be from educational establishments with all the facilities, and in football, the kids are picked up at an early age and given huge riches along with their parents, meaning they don’t know the meaning of fighting for anything.

Thousands more spend years in money-making academies. Restrictions on how much football youngsters can play have also contributed to the decline of local leagues. That feels utterly nonsensical.

Compare that to the kids from barrio slums who fight and scrap for the chance to earn a professional contract, and then once more if they want to earn big money in Europe. Is there any wonder it’s ingrained in them once they play for their country? Go to any Spanish city on a Saturday, find a local club, and you’ll see games from 8 am to 10 pm at a venue with excellent facilities. 

The FA's St George's Park
What's Being Taught There?

The Cossetted Academy Kids

I don’t know whether it’s what English kids are taught in the academies or their attitudes, but something is wrong. England seems to produce lots of “ballers” but not enough winners. Right through to the national team, players love doing the things that get noticed but don't knuckle down and do the basics and the unglamorous work properly.

There is a lack of leaders who want to grab games by the scruff of the neck and hand out rough, honest feedback. I’ve seen it so often following non-league football around London. Loads of young players listing huge pro clubs in their pen-pics, despite maybe being at their academy for a couple of years.

They believe the hype and flounce if they are put on the subs bench, moving to another club within a few weeks rather than fighting for their place and proving a point. Incredibly, some players in the 8th tier of English football have agents. No wonder they’re not rounded. They’re more worried about cash and ego.

Incidentally, I feel the FA could help. Why name more substitutes than are eligible to play? I simply don't see the point. It wastes money, drains resources, and denies opportunities to others. 

Saturday Morning at UE Sant Ilfedons in Barcelona

Tuchel Dilemma 

Anyway, back to England. Third place in the World Cup shouldn’t be sniffed at, but a great chance was tossed away. I was between being livid and heartbroken. Why those substitutions? Why the lack of leadership and nous among the players? Maybe I’ve highlighted some of the reasons in my previous paragraphs?

The day after the semi-final, I wanted the FA to sack Thomas Tuchel. I have mellowed to a degree, and not because of the 6-4 victory over France, enjoyable though it was, but some of the answers that it offered.

One question is who could replace him? Many tout Eddie Howe, a man whose Newcastle United side threw away 27 points from winning positions, making them the worst team in the league at holding onto leads. Like Gareth Southgate, I think Eddie Howe is a better person than he is a manager.

Needing a New Kane

Harry Kane has been a magnificent servant for England. However, the signs were there at Euro 24. He could be excused slightly because of a back injury, but now it’s clear that his legs have gone. Tuchel must look for new options, whether that’s one player or a change in formation.

Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins showed why the coach wouldn’t replace Harry Kane, who has become somewhat of a sacred cow. Neither is up to the task. But at least they remained in their position, rather than wandering off like a frustrated quarterback, so the team kept its shape and had the option of an out ball.

Pace Kills

Pace wins games and terrifies opponents. Not just by how fast players run, but also by their speed of thought, which is arguably as important. In the France consolation game, Elliott Anderson’s and Kane’s omissions saw England play on the front foot with pace. Declan Rice looked like a different player with Eberechi Eze alongside him.

Lo and behold, after several substitutions, England nearly threw away a 4-0 lead, at times with all 11 men behind the ball until Bellingham decided he’d had enough and showed why he’s the one player who would have walked into England's Italia '90 side – another who should have won the World Cup. But who was shouting at the players to push up?

Lessons Learned?
England Hanging On 
10 Men Behind the Ball After Being 4-0 Ahead

The Future

Tuchel has most of the resources he requires if he stops being stubborn and picks talented players rather than those who make for a comfy environment. Maybe try Rashford and Saka through the middle or hope someone emerges from the age-group sides. Whoever it is needs to be athletic, brave and disciplined enough to hold their position. Build around players who can keep possession, such as Palmer and Foden. Perhaps it's time to consider a 4-4-2 or even a 3-5-2.

England's next test comes against the newly crowned world champions, Spain, at Wembley in September in the Nations League. Whether Thomas Tuchel is still in charge remains to be seen. If he is, we'll soon discover whether the lessons of this World Cup have truly been learned.

West Ham United and the Cost of Leaving Upton Park

West Ham United supporters were promised a “world-class team in a world-class stadium” when the club left Upton Park for Stratford in 2016. A decade later, many fans believe the move changed the club forever — and not for the better.

London Stadium

Football Supporters Matter

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a club at the lowest level of the domestic game or a big Premier League outfit. It is not easy being the owner or overseeing the running of a football club. It’s very easy to throw insults and sit in the pub moaning, without really thinking about what it takes to create a successful operation.

However, it is undoubtedly easier if those in such positions tell the truth to fans. Whether it’s an administrative error, the wrong managerial appointment, or the finances being in a state, genuine supporters will accept this if the mistakes are addressed and learned from.

Fans also have their part to play. Rather than having unrealistic expectations, fired by wall-to-wall media coverage, firing the emotions, there are times when they are not nearly fair enough to the ownership or the team manager.

Likewise, there are occasions when those running the show get away with whatever they like by telling the loyal, often lifelong supporters, what they want to hear, to stave off any protests, which is exactly what the fans should be doing.

The Best View at the London Stadium

West Ham United. What's Gone Wrong?

Which brings me very nicely to the plight of West Ham United. Many of their followers think that if they hadn’t been relegated on the final day of the season, then they surely would be in twelve months. The reason? The owners.

Just three years ago, the Hammers lifted the Europa Conference League trophy. Now they face playing second-tier football in the Championship after an amazing fall from grace. 

Star man Declan Rice was sold for £105 million, adding to the finances. Their latest accounts recorded a loss of £104m. This is despite selling out the London Stadium for most home games. An even greater deficit is expected next time. This, along with a loss of TV revenue, which will be softened by parachute payments.

The Much Missed Boleyn Ground

London Stadium Woes

Indeed, a reduction in the amount West Ham must pay to play at the stadium will fall to an estimated saving of £2.5m, offering a benefit of relegation. This is causing concern among those who were hoping that the relegation would lead to a change of ownership.

It’s the stadium that is one of the biggest moans among the Hammers fans. Previously, the club played at the Boleyn Ground in the heart of the East End community. While the ground had its faults, the club had earlier received permission to extend it so that it could remain somewhere steeped in tradition with great memories.

David Sullivan, the late David Gold, and Baroness Karren Brady had taken control of West Ham United in January 2010. Supporters of Birmingham City, where the trio previously had control, warned Hammers fans what was to come, with the departure in the second city generally being welcomed.

The Trek from Stratford Station

Broken Promises

The move in 2016 was far from what they were promised. They were told that their seats were no further from the pitch than at Wembley, and it would be the most successful transition in football club history. 

Of course, by then it was too late. There were no protests when the plans were announced. It was only when the remodelled stadium was open that things became apparent.

After the 2012 London Olympics, the city needed a viable, permanent anchor tenant for the billion-dollar stadium, with the deal being attractive to the West Ham owners. It was subsidised by a heavily discounted 99-year lease agreement with the public London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). 

Argentina v Croatia at Upton Park in November 2014

My Matchday Experiences

The athletic track remained, meaning the seats were a long way from the pitch. The club put some seating in so that it was square behind the goals. However, it left a huge gap between them and the upper tier at both ends, meaning the atmosphere was lost, while the views were distant.

I have been to the stadium several times, which I cover in this post. I went to the Paralympics, which was a magnificent experience, as it was staging what it had been built for. Likewise, when I attended the World Athletics Championships.

Since the conversion, I have sat in the upper level down the side, which was fine, but upstairs behind the goals is a different story. I sat in the away section as a Hull City fan and still don’t know why a penalty was awarded at the far end, as I was simply too far away. If the WiFi had worked, I might have been provided with an answer.

Happier times at the London Olympic Stadium in 2012

The concourses, fine during the summer for athletics, are cold and windy. The walk from Stratford station, through or around Westfield Mall, is soulless and takes a long time. Especially after games, when crowd control is in place. All a rather different experience from one walking down Green Street at Upton Park.

It is no coincidence that all the German stadiums that hold top-level football that once had tracks around the pitch have now been rebuilt so that they are rectangular in shape, so that supporters are near the pitch. The same is gradually happening in Italy.

Daniel Levy, the executive chairman of Tottenham Hotspur when the Olympics were staged, was interested in purchasing the Stratford site for his club. He wanted to knock down the stadium and start again. He knew.

Demolition of the Academy of Football. December 2016

It's the Fans Who Suffer

The ones who are suffering out of all of this are the fans, who are among some of the best in the country. While they sing about fortune always hiding, I don’t suppose they thought that it would be caused by those who were meant to be the responsible custodians of the club.

West Ham United donated £9,000 of club money to the Conservative Party in September 2022, eight years after Brady was made a Conservative life peer in September 2014. This angered fans, with its conflicts of interest, when a deal was thought to have been trying to be made to own the stadium.

Gold passed away in 2023. Brady resigned in April 2026. Sullivan remains as co-owner with Daniel Křetínský, a Czech billionaire whose company purchased the parent company of the Royal Mail, taking the 500-year-old British postal service into private ownership.

Fur Coats and No Knickers at the London Stadium

What's Next?

What West Ham’s future ownership model holds remains to be seen. Most hope Sullivan sells. Many want whoever takes control to build the club a new stadium that is suitable for top-level football rather than what is often referred to as “The Toilet Bowl.”

Most of all, they want experts in charge of running their beloved football club rather than someone who is perceived as a person who does things as cheaply as possible while interfering in football affairs, without having much knowledge. The fans deserve much, much better.

New Ownership Desperately Required

The owners have been complacent that the fans would keep attending, and that there would always be three teams that finish below the Hammers in the Premier League, so that the money would keep coming in. 

They have made some shocking managerial appointments, signed the wrong players with little or no resale value and have been found out. The reality might strike home next season, but nothing is likely to change until Sullivan departs.

West Ham United’s story, and indeed that of Tottenham Hotspur, a few miles away, is a lesson that sometimes dreams sold by owners need proper scrutiny and just how important it is for fans to stand up, protest, and be united when required. 

Article published 25-5-26

Arundel

Arundel FC is a non-league football club, formed in 1889, which represents the historic Sussex town of the same name. ‘The Mullets’ became a founder member of the West Sussex League in 1896, where they were placed in the Senior Division, remaining in the league until joining the Sussex County League in 1949.

The league title was won in 1957-58 and retained the following season before relegation to Division Two came in 1965-66. Promotion back to Division One was achieved twelve months later, before the side finished as runners-up in 1968-69. 

Another relegation came in 1975-76, but once again, the club’s top-tier status was regained after just one season, before dropping back down in 1982-83. Remarkably, one year later, Arundel was duly promoted, going on to become Sussex County League champions for a third time in 1986-87.

1997-98 saw the side drop down a level, before they recovered to win the Division Two title in 1999-00 to go back up. Vic Short was the team manager at Mill Road before he was replaced by Richard “Kilroy” Towers in 2007. His team ended up as league runners-up in 2008-09.

Gary Wheatcroft was appointed as manager in 2010-11 before being succeeded by his assistant, Simon Butler. The Sussex County League changed its name to Southern Combination, with Division One renamed Premier Division for the 2015-16 season, with Towers returning for a second spell twelve months later as team boss.

Arundel was relegated to the second tier of the competition in 2018-19 under Simon Hull. Jason Mines was appointed as manager in 2021, as his side finished consistently just outside the playoffs before reaching them in 2024-25, where they lost to Forest Row on penalties in the semi-final.

Mines departed to be replaced by Dickson Gill, who quickly departed. Joss Parsons was then appointed as the new team boss.

Arundel FC will play in the Southern Combination League Division One in the 2026-27 season.

My visit

Wednesday 5th March 2008

With a day off work and pleasant weather, I was ready to take full advantage of my pre-purchased Southern Rail Day Saver, which entitled me to unlimited travel for the day on their services for just a tenner. As ever, I had an itinerary in mind as I set off from Victoria Station.

First port of call was Arundel, which looked beautiful as I alighted and headed over the bridge over the River Arun, as I gave Leftfield’s Leftism a listen on my iPod. Life was good, looking up to the castle and wandering through the town towards the High Street and Mill Road.

The walk went past Arundel Museum and a bowling green, to the entrance to the pretty ground where the gates were open. A seated stand had a view of the castle behind it, up on the hill, while the opposite corner had a small cover for standing spectators, next to the clubhouse and changing rooms.

Once complete and having had a walk around, I headed back to the station and took the train to my next destination, the Nyewood Lane home of Bognor Regis Town.

Witton Albion

Witton Albion FC

Ground: Wincham Park

Capacity: 4,813

Club Founded: 1987

League: Northern Premier League Division One West - Step 4/8th Tier (current level)

Albion, founded by chemical workers in Northwich, were one of the first non-league clubs to sell its town-centre ground and build a replacement, proving a prudent decision.

Wincham Park

Club History

Early Years

Witton Albion started out playing in the Northwich & District League, Crewe & District League, and the Cheshire League before joining The Combination in 1901-02. They advanced to the Manchester League and then Division Two of the Lancashire Combination, winning promotion as champions in 1912-13.

The club became a founder member of the Cheshire County League seven years later. Local derbies at the time against Northwich Victoria saw heated battles in front of packed crowds, with Witton going on to win the league crown twice, and then finish as runners-up. These saw halcyon days at the Central Ground, located, as the name suggests, in the centre of town.

Central Ground. Photo: Andy Dakin.

FA Cup Runs

A third Cheshire County League title followed in 1953-54, in the same season as the team exited the FA Cup in the second round to Grimsby Town. Witton also reached the same stage a couple of seasons earlier, where Workington ended their run, with other first-round appearances following.

The formation of the Northern Premier League in 1968-69 saw Witton overlooked, with Northwich Victoria's persuading other clubs not to admit their town rivals being thought to be the deciding factor. This was at a time when former Manchester City star Ken Barnes managed the side.

My drawing of the Central Ground, along with former club crests and team kits.
Click on the image to enlarge it.

New Stadium and Wembley

Albion were admitted to the Northern Premier League (NPL) in 1979-80, finishing as runners-up in their debut season. The club sold their ground to Sainsbury and relocated to Wincham Park, which was opened in 1989. The NPL title was won in 1990-91, while the team reached the FA Trophy semi-finals, where Kidderminster Harriers came out on top.

Promotion to the Football Conference saw Albion join their rivals, Northwich Victoria. Albion reached the final of the 1991-92 FA Trophy but lost 3-1 to Colchester United at Wembley. The following season saw Witton reach the semi-final of the competition once again, this time ending in aggregate defeat to Runcorn.

Central Ground. Photo: Andy Dakin.

Ground Sale Cash Ends

Cash from the ground sale ran out, which saw the side relegated in 1993-94, before dropping down another level two seasons later. Promotion back to the NPL Premier Division was achieved in 2003-04, where Albion finished runners-up on a couple of occasions. 

Manager Jim Vince, who had done a sterling job, resigned to be replaced by Nigel Deeley. Gary Finley was soon appointed in his place. The team was relegated before the end of the decade.

Central Ground. Photo: Andy Dakin.

Managers came and went as the club was transferred to the NPL Division One North in 2010-11, where promotion was sealed twelve months later via the playoffs with wins against Farsley and Curzon Ashton. The playoffs were reached again in 2012-13, with FC United of Manchester winning the semi-final tie.

Anthony Sheehan replaced Pritchard, who had spent nineteen years at the club, in August 2014. The team was relegated before the Albion hierarchy upset some of their loyal supporters, allowing Northwich Victoria to share Wincham Park for the 2015-16 season.

Wincham Park

The rental cash helped Witton win promotion a season later via the playoffs following victories against AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Spalding United. Vics returned as tenants in the summer of 2018. Another relegation followed in 2021-22, before Jon Macken was appointed as manager. 

After a couple of seasons just missing out on a playoff position, Ben Harrison was appointed as manager in August 2024. Vics had departed after a dispute several months earlier.

My visit

Saturday 1st November 1986

My visit to the Central Ground came about as I was in the car with my mate, Gary Griffiths, on the way to Chester v Walsall. We had already been to Edgeley Park, Stockport, which was locked with no access, and then Northwich’s Drill Field.

Central Ground. Photo: Andy Dakin.

It was a short distance to Albion’s home, which was another excellent venue, with a main stand and covered terracing opposite. There were plenty of standing options for spectators, along with crush barriers.

It didn’t cross our minds that both town centre grounds would no longer exist within a decade or so, as both clubs built new stadiums, one rather more successfully than the other.