England Football Team
Another insightful and interesting article from regular contributor, life coach, David Jamieson follows below. Thanks again David for this month’s helpful article. In this article, David discusses the recent efforts by our England football team. However, it is a view from a different perspective.
The performances from the England football team will no doubt be a topic of debate for the remainder of the summer until the domestic season starts. Should Vardy have played? Why did Sterling start? Should we have played a flat back four? Should Kane have squared the ball to Sterling? (Yes!!).
These are the type of questions football fans will be debating in the pubs. David’s review comes from a different angle. A very interesting view indeed.
What part does mental strength play in players performances for instance? Some really good pointers here from David.
Anyway, here’s his article.
David Jamieson
David Jamieson-Life Coach-England Football Team
England Football Team – It’s Not Coming Home! (Yet…)
I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping for a much better final outcome for the England football team.
I played my football songs (see above) and more including World in Motion, Fat Les’s Vindaloo, ultimately to no avail, as despite their best efforts they were well beaten by Croatia in the semi-final.
However they surpassed all expectations, of which there were few, indeed the media downplayed any possibility of success until the semi-final stage.
Overall it was a good display by the team, and although I have some misgivings about Gareth Southgate’s on-pitch management regarding team selection and not using his substitutes more effectively (IMHO), I was more impressed by his demeanour, and the way he got the players to form a tight team.
He was supported by a psychologist who coached the team before and during the tournament and who was able to change the players’ mindsets from the negative which often results in under-performance, to positive in which the players felt strong enough to ‘express themselves’ in matches.
How Did She Do It?
Well despite what you may read, coaching is actually a simple process but one in which the coach uses specific skills and experience. And whilst I have no intention of giving away the crown jewels accrued over many years study and practice, it’s all about the individual. Providing an environment in which they can speak freely and share hopes and fears.
Only by doing so can they release inner demons that may be holding them back, and start to achieve. For example when taking penalties. That was every England footballer’s bête noire, but no more!
Fear Of Failure
Turning fear of failure into a positive, an opportunity to help the team through a personal achievement is no mean feat, but they did it, scoring 4/5 in the penalty shoot-out, and Harry Kane securing the Golden Boot prize (awarded to the top scorer), with goals including 3 penalties.
What I found really interesting was how Croatia kept lifting their spirits, after playing a punishing 120 minutes in 3 consecutive games, until they were finally toppled by France.
Mental Strength
Mental strength allied to peak physical performance, embodied by Luka Modric. Frail-looking but who ran and ran and made the difference in each game. Quite honestly I believe that they had a different psychological approach, which worked for them.
This is something I aspire to. To be as fit as possible-given ageing body limitations-so that my mind is as sharp and effective as possible.
It’s not just for me but for my clients too; when coaching, my goal is for them to feel good about themselves and leave my sessions feeling they can-do rather than can’t, and that they will-do rather than may-do.
One Step Too Far?
I just wonder if the players found the semi-final with new, greater expectations, too great a hurdle to overcome? Too many seemed off the pace, both mentally and physically tired (e.g. Kane), and Southgate should have been more clinical in making changes to benefit the team rather than continue his loyalty to certain players.
It will be interesting to see how all players perform when the new season starts next month, both winners and losers…
In the meantime I hope you have a wonderful summer, able to recharge your batteries in such beautiful weather-including some much needed rain…
Wishing you good mental and physical health,
David
David Jamieson
Professional Certified Coach
info@davidjamiesoncoaching.co.uk
www.davidjamiesoncoaching.co.uk
Thanks David
So, no joy this time (again) for the England football team. Onwards and upwards and all that. Will we do any better in the Euros in 2020? Watch this space!!!
Thanks again David.
By the way, if you wish to contact David, you can find his details above.
If you have missed David’s other articles – you can see links to them below….
Mental Health – A Holistic Approach
You can find this article HERE
Good Mental and Physical Health
More HERE
Are You Lonesome Tonight
Read more by clicking HERE
Mental Health Awareness
Another article well worth reading – see more by clicking HERE
All very useful and helpful articles. Thanks for your valued contribution David.
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