England – The Mexico of Europe
Europe and Latin America are the most soccer crazy regions in the world. From the favelas of Brazil, to the Barra Bravas of Argentina. From the technical breeding grounds of the German Academies to the tilted stands of the San Siro in Italy, these nations have as much history and enthusiasm for the sport as they have success. However, this formula doesn’t always lead to trophies, and the English and Mexicans know this better than anybody. In fact, the results of both nations in international tournaments has been so underwhelming that you almost expect England and Mexico to find a way to bottle it. Why is this?
To start off, both sets of fans seem to highly overrate their players, causing massive letdowns when they don’t quite pan out.. Just take a look at Diego Lainez, who was dubbed the “Mexican Messi” from a young age, and has so far had an unsuccessful stint in Europe, did not make the 2022 World Cup squad, and is now back in Liga Mx trying to rebuild his confidence. At this point, the only resemblance it looks like he has to Messi is being left footed and short in stature. In Mexico’s case, Manchester United paid 85 million pounds for Harry Maguire (you read that right) and 100 million pounds for Jack Grealish. Surely you ought to get at least Miguel Almiron level production for that, and with Grealish, you simply do not.
England has the highest amount of world class developmental academies in the world. This should lead to developing the most Balon D’or and most Best XI’ winners. But in reality, England have less Balon D’ors winners combined than Lionel Messi has on his own, and only one English player (Trent Alexander-Arnold) has made the Best XI in the last eleven years. English players tend to be either very physical with few dribbling skills or “speed merchants” with very little creativity to pick out a ball. Mexico on the other hand, has the second highest population in Latin America, but refuses to send its best players to Europe and out of their comfort zones. Instead they get paid loads of cash to rot away at Chivas or Club America.
The bias towards the top 6 clubs in the English Premier League is misguided, considering the quality of other teams and leagues outside the top 6. The likes of Ivan Toney (Brentford) , Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan) and Tammy Abraham (AS Roma) were all left out of the World Cup despite having successful stints , while out of form players like Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Connor Gallagher (Chelsea) and Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City) all made the cut. Some of the difference makers on teams in World Cups have shown that they don’t need to be playing on the biggest teams to excel. Just take a look at Argentina, who fielded Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton) and Enzo Fernandez (Benfica) in their World Cup winning Midfield. Southgate would’ve never had them in contention.
The reach of the Mexican team is so vast that they sell out every game they play, including the ones they play in USA. That won’t prevent them from losing 7-0 to Chile, but so be it. The club teams in Liga Mx are also very popular in America, doing yearly tours that are most certainly going to favor fan support in stadium friendlies over the MLS teams they may be playing. Similarly, English fans follow the team they support all over England, and if they’re lucky enough to play European Football, all over Europe.
With all this being said, England have managed a rather questionable World Cup on home soil back in 1966 and a single Euro Final appearance in 2020. Mexico’s best results at a World Cup has been two quarter finals appearances, both coming in World Cups they hosted, with their most important title being an Olympic gold medal win in 2016. Both nations need to get their managerial situation strengthened, get smarter in assessing players, and give the fans a much needed joy that they so thoroughly deserve.