Hawke's Bay United coach Brett Angell is an Englishman and former EPL striker. Photo / File
Hawke's Bay United coach Brett Angell is an Englishman and former EPL striker. Photo / File
Hawke's Bay United coach Brett Angell believes England have the best chance they have ever had to make a Fifa World Cup final.
"The other two semifinalists [Belgium v France] are considered stronger adversaries than Croatia but it'll still be a very difficult game to come through to make the World Cup final," says England-born Angell, a former EPL striker.
He says the Three Lions are adept and have shown they deserve to be ranked with the world's best, with consistency from day one to semifinals.
Their set-piece play and quality of delivery endorse that although he emphasises that isn't necessarily enough at semifinal level.
"At times they have shown football fluency but that alone I don't think may be enough."
England, though, have individuals who have the propensity to become game changers and that was evident in midfielder Jesse Lingard's passing and work rate.
"It's wide open and I wouldn't say it's an easy game by any stretch of the imagination."
Angell says scoring comes in Raheem Sterling's portfolio but the winger does more for the team although a goal will do heaps for his and England's confidence.
While Luka Modric is a world-class midfielder Croatia lack all-round depth of quality, although their short-sharp passing game is effective so England will need to limit time and space in the midfield.
In the other semifinal, Angell is sticking to France to prevail despite Belgium worthiness in making it the game for purists.
"I think it could go all the way to penalty kicks as well," he says. "I wouldn't say that I can fancy either one but I feel whoever wins will deserve to win to become the favourites in the final to potentially win over England."
England midfielder Jesse Lingard (right) waves to the fans during the Fifa World Cup in Russia. Photo / AP
However, once in the final it'll come down to who'll deal with it the best.
Angell sees the romantic notion with Belgium and Croatia going on to etch their name on the world cup but believes this tourney has shown the depth of quality in the beautiful game.
He juxtaposes it with rugby where a few can claim the bragging rights on a global stage.
"What it shows is there are far more countries capable now of winning the world cup than there has ever been.
"Obviously Europe at this moment in time appear to be much stronger than the other confederations."
He reckons it's a great spectacle, a superb advertisement for the game and it shows the development of the code at grassroots level.
"If it was Belgium or Croatia, you know, it's because they are good enough to actually win it."
Angell doesn't believe the coaching manuals will have to be changed considering all the short pulling, grappling and diving witnessed on TV to date.
"I think it's happened more and more at the professional level over the last five to 10 years and is something that is happening more and more.
"Whether it'll continue to happen now that teams are penalised continuously for that might be the stopping of all of that," he says, mindful it was prevalent at EPL and other professional leagues but mentors will be aware of weeding it out more now.
