Looking to the future

Much was said of England's "old guard" after Euro 2012.  Critics questioned where does the England team go, what lays ahead for Roy Hodgson's squad?  Lots argued that the problem sits deep within the game, at the grassroots and youth level of the game.

But is it all so bleak?

Well, it can't be denied that it was only the organisation of England's defence in Ukraine that ensured the quarter finals were reached, so clearly the senior team needs a make-over.  At younger age groups though, England have earnt success in recent times, so can this be reason to be positive?

The under-21s reached the final of the European Championships back in 2009.  The under-19s made it to a second Euro semi-final in three years after finishing as runners-up in 2009.  England's under-17s won the European Championships in 2010.  So, why has this tournament success not been translated into better performances on the biggest stage.

One of the key reasons is where those players go onto.  Of that Championship winning under-17 side, only Jack Butland and Connor Wickham have made a real impact domestically.  And just 4 players from that squad have featured in the Premier League at all.

That's not of immediate concern - most of those players are still just 18 or 19 years old and time is on their side.  But the question becomes is it the Premier League that are letting our young players down, rather than our youngsters?

Less than half of players in the Premier League are English.  It's possible our top division has become a victim of it's own success. But that's only the thoughts of someone who wants a successful national side.  Is that what the FA wants too?

Wiggo on the verge of history

It's been a miserable year for British sport.  Or has it?  Ok, I know England were dumped out of the Euros on penalties again and Andy Murray fell at the last hurdle at Wimbledon, but there is much to be proud of this year.  Chelsea won the Champions League.  England's cricketers have dominated everyone they've faced.  And now Bradley Wiggins is close to becoming the first Briton to ever win the Tour de France.

Wiggins hasn't done it yet and I will feel partly responsible if he doesn't after glowing his praises here.  But his riding in the 99th Le Tour has been nothing short of inspirational.  Assured in the early mountain stages, and complete dominant over the time-trial, Team Sky's leader has already built up a lead of nearly two minutes on reigning champion Cadel Evans.

Two minutes doesn't sound like much, but in cycling terms that's a huge wide chasm of tarmac.  Realistically, Evans would need to take five minutes out of Wiggins in the mountains to stand any chance of retaining the yellow jersey for a second year.

I'm tempting fate here but I predict if Wiggins stays upright and doesn't suffer the misfortune of last year, he will win the Tour.  Many argue he doesn't face the stiff competition of previous years, and whilst Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador are missing, the fact remains that victory would be history.