The Kids Are Alright, But the Spanish Ones Are Actually Good

England Young'uns were schooled quite spectacularly today by Spain Young'uns in France, in the semis of the Under 19 European Championships. It's pretty evident that the constant influx of quality footballers at all levels of the Spanish national side isn't going to stop or even slow down anytime soon; in fact, the similarities between the styles of play between the national team (that we all know and hate) and the under 19s is pretty notable. The "passing carousel" that Sir Alex Ferguson referred to (in relation to Barcelona - lazy journalism is where it's at) is present here: lots of nice one-touch football, sweet flicks, almost telepathic movement. The quality of the side is most obvious in Spain's second goal, scored by Atletico's Keko, but if it's sheer innovative audacity that you're after (which it is) check out Sergio Canales' goal. Despite the game finishing 3-1, it really sould've been about 5-0, such was Spain's dominance of the game. It doesn't tell the full story: England's youth teams seem to struggle a great deal getting the top side's to release their youngsters for such tournaments. There's no doubt, for instance, that Jack Wilshere would get into this side. Conversely, Spain's kids (again, like the national side) are comprised almost entirely by Real and Barca players.

Spain, unfortunately, look like they might just make up for their years (and years and years and yearzzzz...) of underacheivement with the crop of players they've got coming through, and therefore we'll all have to listen to our nation's twat-bastard pundits creaming themselves over their football. There's almost no doubt, though I may well wind up eaing my words, that Spain will go on to beat France/Croatia in the final. And when they do, and you read some bandwagoning pundit bang on about how good they are, just remember that Radetto was down from day 1. Y'all.

NB. Fuck France/Croatia, it's looking like France. Bakambu, with a right finish, 2-1 with 5 to go.