It is fair to say that Argentina legend Diego Maradona has had a strained relationship with English football over the years, after his infamous ‘’hand of god,’’ goal during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
However, Maradona has complimented the Three Lions for their success so far at this summers World Cup in Russia and he believes much of this is down a change of playing style.
English players have long been seen as technically inferior to their South American and Continental counterparts, although Maradona has suggested that the Three Lions’ current crop are breaking away from the old routine of simply pumping the ball into the area as quickly as possible.
“Their change of style has worked well for them,” he said.
“I don’t think [problems in the past] are technical, because they are world champions at Under-17 and Under-20. That shows that they’re creating kids that England didn’t have in the past.
“Sterling, Kane, Vardy, Stones and the like have given them another touch. It’s not about getting in the other half and putting the ball in the box. They want to play, to have the ball.”
Maradona’s own Country Argentina have of course got off to a disastrous start to their World Cup campaign, and face Nigeria tonight knowing that anything but a win will see them eliminated.
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