The England shirt is 'Heavy'

Some people struggle with the English language, despite being born and schooled in these sceptred isles, but some take to it very quickly and even produce the odd memorable quote or two. Contrast the Graham Taylor quote of 'do I not like orange' when seemingly disappointed during a game compared to the beauty that Fabio came out with after the Mexico game, 'some players find the England shirt heavy!'

Now, with those few short words did he not sum up impeccably what responsibility feels like to play for England? And how some very gifted Premiership players struggle once they feature in the national team. Now his words were not those of criticism, more an understanding of how difficult that step can be from club team to national team, a step too far for some maybe.

I'm not the greatest strategist in the world and I will admit to being baffled by certain formations and tactics that some mangers employ, being a Doncaster Rovers fan means this happens regularly as Sean O'Driscoll is adept at confusing everybody, but I did feel some sympathy for what Fabio was trying to do against Mexico. He essentially was looking for somebody to take control of midfield and do what Gareth Barry has done very successfully for England, and yet these very players fell short of the mark. Michael Carrick is a classic example of somebody weighed down by national clothing. That then left Milner to struggle to impose himself on the game as well. The game itself was rescued by Steven Gerrard moving infield and doing some of the work that Carrick and Milner failed to do, but even so the game was a struggle for some.

Another very obvious casualty to the national spotlight was Leighton Baines. I've seen him play for the U21's on many an occasion but last night he was woeful, and seemingly every Mexican attack came down that side. Not being a fan of Ashley Cole will cause some heart searching in this household let me tell you, although my wife hates him for reasons other than his on-field escapades.

Italians are usually pragmatic when it comes to football , and no doubt the result last night was more promising than the quality of football, but I'll take that attitude if it takes us two steps further than we have been for a few tournaments. With the man who knows and understands how heavy the shirt can be, I truly believe he is in tune with the nation and that the heaviest article of clothing is the suit and tie that belongs to the England Manager.