[Europe Group 1]
8 matches 6 Wins 1 Tie 1 Loss (19 Points)

9/1/96	Vs. Moldova	Win	3-0
10/9/96	Vs. Poland	Win	2-1
11/9/97	Vs. Georgia	Win	2-0
2/12/97	Vs. Italy	Lose	0-1
4/30/97	Vs. Georgia	Win	2-0
5/31/97	Vs. Poland	Win	2-0
9/10/97	Vs. Moldova	Win	4-0
10/11/97	Vs. Italy	Draw	0-0

Offense		Defense
Organization		Experience
Talent		Capacity to surprise

England's current formation is a 3-5-2. Coach Hoddle is aiming for a style that harmonizes England's traditional ferocity with contemporary soccer.

The veteran goalkeeper Seaman provides the sense of stability one expects from a veteran, so there is no worry here. The defense comprised of Adams, Southgate, and Campbell do not have the dexterity for the libero, but they use the capacities of their height to provide a solid defense which can be counted on not to break down.

At first, Ince handled the volante by himself, but the use of Batty from midway through the qualifiers increased the sense of stability. What this combination provides is a wealth of movement. Moreover, when they steal the ball, they can reliably connect it to Gascoigne and Beckham. The starting point for the offense is Gascoigne, who has entered his mature phase. His imaginative passes are an indispensable element that hold the key to England's rise or fall. However, there continue to be many injuries and much uncertainty on the defensive side. That is why so much expectation rests on Beckham who can provide middle shooting and highly precise crosses. If Gascoyne's condition is not the best, he might be used at center midfield.

The forwards are definitely Shearer and Sheringham. The return of Shearer, whose appearance once seemed in jeopardy due to injury is the best positive news, but the fact that the reserve is Cole, whose ups and downs are so severe leaves one reason for worry. Despite this, looking at England's condition recently, it is no wonder they are considered one of the candidates for the championship.

*THE FOOTBALL
ASSOCIATION
[Address]

16 Lancaster Gate,

London W2 3LW

*10th World Cup
(1950, 1954, 1958, 1962,
1966, 1970, 1982, 1986,
1998)
1 championship
(1966)

Alan SHEARER
* Forward

The goal-getter and the pride of England, which is bringing the birthplace of soccer back onto the international stage

At one time, there were some doubts about Shearer's ability to play at international levels, but when he marked 5 goals at the European Player's Cup in 1996 and shined as the scoring king for the tournament, the name of Alan Shearer reverberated throughout the world.
This was the trigger for his talents, which had been in the shadows, to fully open up. Since then, he has scored 11 goals in the 13 international matches in which he has played and has secured his position as England's No. 1 striker. He was injured last summer and his appearance in this World Cup was in jeopardy, but he has finally returned to the national team and is gradually rounding himself into shape. In combination with Sheringham, Shearer will aim to add the World Cup scoring crown to his European Player's Cup scoring crown.

Glenn HODDLE

In his playing career with Tottenham and Monaco, the adjective that described Hoddle was elegant. He had 53 caps with the national team and appeared in the World Cup twice too (1982, 1986). As coach, his five-year career is hardly a wealth of experience, but his contemporary soccer theories are highly regarded and after Euro 96, he became the youngest coach ever for the English national team at the age of 38. He has built a team good enough to hold off Italy and come through on top in the qualifying round and to be named as one of the serious candidates to win the championship.