Are footballers too big for their boots?

AS England prepares to take on Slovenia in a make-or-break match this afternoon (23), the World Cup is proving to be an eye-opening tournament, not only for the shock match results but also for the conduct of the players.

The French team refused to train on Sunday.

England’s star striker Wayne Rooney launched a verbal attack on English fans who dared to boo the national team after their disappointing goal-less draw against Algeria on Friday.

And on Monday, England player John Terry criticised coach Fabio Capello’s strict regime and demanded he stop treating the team like teenagers.

Have the players become too big for their boots? Or is their behaviour proof of their passion for the game?

Reporter BEATRIZ AYALA went to Chadderton Precinct to find out what shoppers thought.






Collette Mather (72), from Chadderton, has been watching the World Cup and said the England players’ passion for the game seemed to have gone.



She said: “It seems the passion has gone with regards to the football, not the fans. The players need to grow up.

“The expression on Wayne Rooney’s face during Friday’s game was one of disinterest, that he couldn’t be bothered — and he is meant to be at the peak of his career.

“They should take a leaf out of David Beckham’s book. He is the perfect role model with regards to his manner and the way he puts himself across.”

William Gibson (71), from Chadderton, was more forgiving. He said: “Wayne Rooney gives 110 per cent, he does all the work.

“He shouldn’t have said what he did but it was in the heat of the moment, he would have been fuming afterwards. However, they are paid too much and that affects they way they are.”

His sister Margaret Orr (70), said: “They are professionals, so they should act professionally and behave themselves.”

Ronnie Prime (73), from Chadderton, thinks he would make a much better coach than Capello.

He said: “I think they are reacting that way because they are bored.

“Where they are staying is too strict, they haven’t got their wives and girlfriends, they should have some company.

“I’m in favour of them speaking out if they are unhappy.

“Okay, Fabio Capello has got us to the World Cup but he is not playing them in the right position. They should send me over there and I’ll pick the team for them.”

His wife Marilyn Prime (61) said: “Everyone knows Wayne Rooney has a short fuse. But if he was my son, I’d have given him a right good pasting for saying what he did, he’s like a big baby. I think the problem is that Fabio Capello can’t relate to his team properly.”

Bob Barber (68), from Chadderton, felt the England players should be focused on playing their best for the country.

He said: “Fabio Capello has been using the same system for the past two years and the team sailed through.

“Now, they are whinging because they are not doing that well. There is obviously something wrong in the French camp but all professional footballers are spoilt.

“Rugby League players come home with cuts and bruises and they don’t whinge. When you play with the Three Lions on your shirt, you should play your best for England.”

Mohammed Gofur Ali (54), from Werneth, said Wayne Rooney made a mistake when he criticised the English fans.

He said: “Wayne Rooney is trying his best to play well.

“I don’t think he meant to say what he did, he was just sad after the game and it was an immediate reaction. But the French team refusing to train, that is not right. They should be playing their best in the competition.”

His daughter Abida Jannty (7) said: “I think England will win the World Cup.”

Gail Hoyle (40), from Taylor Street, Chadderton, said the England team needs to think about who is watching before criticising them in front of television cameras.

She said: “I don’t think its right for Wayne Rooney to be saying what he did, especially when there are children watching who want to grow up to be footballers.

“It sets a bad example, he shouldn’t have said it in front of the cameras.”

Ryan Hoyle (21) said: “England could play a lot better but the manager needs to organise the team and switch the players round. They might be frustrated or angry, they don’t seem to co-operate well — maybe that is why they are speaking out.”

Vicky Jackson (31), from Chadderton, supports the players right to speak out if they are unhappy.

She said: “The players have got every right to complain, they are just saying what the rest of us think.

“Players do get paid a ludicrous amount of money and maybe they should be a bit more professional, but they get frustrated just like us.”