“Whoever takes over his mantle will not be like Alan Shearer, because he was a one-off,” Keegan began enthusiastically enough “If you look at the options, I’ve got quite a nice variety. If I had Robbie Fowler, who’s injured, I would have the five best English forwards. That’s what’s exciting, because you never know with football. We could be starting off with someone who takes us to another level.” He paused before continuing: “That might sound a bit optimistic for you people, because there’s a lot of pessimism around here.”His continued use of the expression “you people” (the media), as opposed to “we” (the believers), confirmed that Keegan had started the 2002 World Cup campaign very much as he had departed Euro 2000 In denial. A refusal to accept that Euro 2000 had exposed English international football as being every bit as anachronistic as many of us had suggested.At least the Germans had accepted the reality of the impoverished state of their game, it was pointed out. Under a new coach, Rudi Völler, they had responded with a 4-1 victory over Spain, albeit in a friendly.

However, Keegan retorted: “We both failed at Euro 2000, but their failure was greater than ours They had more problems than we had. They’re the first to admit that.”He insisted that “Spain were there to be knocked over, not having started their season”, but admitted that the Germans “could not have been more impressive” He added: “Their team still had 16 of the 22 from Euro 2000. They’re saying there’s not an awful lot wrong, but what’s wrong needs putting right I’m saying the same. Instead of decimating the side and throwing out everybody over a certain age, I’m going to stick with them and say, ‘Right, that’s about as low as I want us to get’. Sometimes you have to go through a bad time to really get yourselves turned round.”There is a suggestion in his words that, while Keegan may not exactly be picking players for old time’s sake, he does allow his emotions to dictate his thinking.”When you’re picking a squad, all sorts of things go through your mind,” he explained. “You think of all the guys and how much they’ve given you; sometimes places they’ve turned up and played when other players have not been as keen. Also, when I looked at alternatives like Joe Cole, it’s just not time yet.

It’s no good making changes just so that I can bring the average age down to 23.”While it is understandable that the England coach is reluctant to deploy inexperienced players, whatever their potential, because of the crucial nature of forthcoming games, that does beg two questions. When do England not have an important game? How long does he persist with performers who, despite their longevity, are evidently not world-class performers? How blind is his faith?Despite his endorsement of England’s strikers, for instance, the statistics tell another story. Michael Owen’s return of seven goals in 21 appearances is acceptable, but thereafter it amounts to a miserable litany of missed opportunities from Emile Heskey (one goal, against Malta, in nine appearances), Andy Cole (no goals in seven appearances), and Kevin Phillips (no goals in five appearances).For the moment, though, Keegan will not countenance any dispute about their right to be included. Neither does he accept Sir Alex Ferguson’s assertion last week that it was difficult for England managers to look beyond Shearer because the England team was built round him.”That’s not the way it was, although maybe it was people’s perception. All I was guilty of was trying to get the best out of Alan Shearer. Now I’ll be guilty of trying to get the best out of Andy Cole, or Kevin Phillips, or whoever I’ve got there You have to play to them.