We are all critics and as someone writing on a place of public access I am no better than any other writer or critic. Add to that the fact that I am neither English or a football fan beyond passing interest, and you would be forgiven for dismissing my two penny’s worth out of hand.

It seems to me though that there is one faction with more influence over English football at both a domestic and international level that goes unnoticed in it’s uncandidness: The English Media.

The English Media holds so much control over the supporters psyche that it has directly affected the English style of play. Watchers and listeners of football dominated media are so bombarded with opinions by experts and former players that all and sundry have slipped into a similar vein of support - criticism even in the face of victory. A blame culture, where even on the best days, negative aspects are dragged out in some guise for media speculation and ridicule. When English footballers do eventually win something they will undoubtedly be chastised for the subsequent celebration.

Could it be then that the reason for the negativity and lack of flair in English football, especially on the international stage is down to a fear of failure. Clean sheets are more important than exciting football. Newcastle of the late 90’s played great attacking football but were never seen as long term threat because they leaked goals. A better defensive side with the ability to score a goal from a set piece would always do better in English football. Indeed this is what David Beckham thrived on for years. As England captain he could play in an unadventurous side, and provide crucial crosses and goals. Very successful in it’s limited outlook.

And so it has come to post World Cup 2006 and English fans are scratching their weather beaten brows wondering what went wrong……again. They have the so called ‘golden generation’ (although how any group of players can be given such a tag without winning anything or without the reference point of hindsight seems baffling), but they can’t win anything.

English players in their home market sell for a very pretty penny, but because they are English their prices are of uber inflation. Not too many would openly hand on heart admit they are worth more than other international players of similar standard. Is the influx of foreign players to blame then? But without them would the standard of the premiership be as high? Unanswerable questions.

Ultimately though, the English national side looked scared of self expression and imagination when they step on to the pitch. The answers to journalists’ probing are standardised; ‘We were really pleased to keep a clean sheet’. Players seem to have lost the ultimate point of playing football as a profession: You are living the dream - You have a job doing something you love for very good money!

The English media seems so intent on blame and bringing someone down in the flames of hyperbole thaty players and manager dare not take risks. The media will make sure it’s their last.