Neil Lennon believes that a lack of Champions League experience played a part in England’s World Cup downfall.
Last night’s 2-1 defeat from Uruguay set off a post mortem among the media amazed that once again the English national side have failed to make progress on the big stage.
Over the last two season’s English clubs have struggled to make any impact on the Champions League as Spanish and German side’s set a new benchmark.
Last night’s England side started with seven players from Everton and Liverpool of which only Steven Gerrard has any experience of the Champions League. When Hodgson turned to the substitutes to change the match he called in a teenager from Everton and two men from Southampton who had just completed their second season in the top flight.
Lennon has had a first hand view of the finals working for BBC telly and radio and has been a popular addition to the daily podcasts from the state broadcaster.
“There’s a lack of Champions League football in this squad,” Lennon observed discussing England’s two defeats. “If you look at Jagielka, Leighton Baines and some of the younger Liverpool players they’ve never played Champions League football and for me that’s one of the best areas to develop your game.
“You get to play against the best clubs, the best players, against the best coaches and best formations. The Liverpool lads will get that next season which will be great but it’s a season too late for them with regards to this tournament.”
Lennon was surprisingly upbeat and positive about England but that attitude was possibly to suit his audience.
The former hoops boss said that Chile’s performance against Spain was the best that he has seen so far in the competition and will cover the Argentina v Iran and Holland v Chile matches.
