How the Three Lions lose lustre as fear of failure takes a hold

Does any country shoot itself in the foot with such consistency as England?

It feels as though, at every tournament, there is an overwhelming urge to make things as difficult for themselves as possible. Last November, England beat Spain, the reigning world and European champions, 1-0. At that point, England’s prospects for the tournament looked, if not bright, then at least cautiously optimistic; as it is, they will begin their campaign against France today with expectations lower than before any major tournament for which they’ve qualified since the 1982 World Cup.

Not only that, but the air of scandal that hangs over the squad this time is particularly toxic. This isn’t a player’s alleged dalliance with a local tour rep, as in 1990, or the brewing storm over Wayne Rooney and his prostitute, but something far more fundamental: race, as manifested in the continued omission of Rio Ferdinand.