Does the Cap fit?

Harry Redknapp's mantra has always been that football 'is all about good players'.

There is, of course, much truth in that.

However, at international level it's not that simple.

For one thing, there are a lot of good players. The key has always been to tactically mould these players into a sum even greater than their parts.

Terry Venables managed it at Euro 96, Glenn Hoddle almost managed it and Kevin Keegan and Steve McClaren failed dismally.

Anyone can pick the best 11 players - and that was pretty much all Sven-Goran Eriksson did towards the end of his reign.

Now England have started their World Cup campaign under Fabio Capello.

Team balance and the ability to outwit opponents are key.

It's why Stewart Downing, for all his shortcomings, is a better bet on the left than Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard.

And it's why England will do better with a legitimate partnership upfront. For example, Heskey/Owen worked. Owen/Rooney will not offer the same threat.

It's one thing spouting these thngs off in a blog, of course, but getting them right in real life requires the sharpest football brain

Step forward Mr Capello. We hope.