Highlights of 2009: England Qualify for the World Cup

The remarkable thing about England’s qualification for the World Cup was just how unremarkable it was. Fabio Capello sternly looked on as the side won their group with ease, only finally losing a game after qualification was wrapped up. Along the way every box was ticked. Qualification? Check. Exorcising the demons from the traumatic defeat to Croatia in 2007? Check. Come away free from major injuries, free from scandal, and with a good idea of the first choice eleven? Check. Find a way to fit Gerrard and Lampard into the same team whilst getting the best from them? Check.

Capello overseeing an England training session in July this year

The whole process was disconcertingly simple for England fans used to an emotional roller coaster ride. Even qualification specialist Sven-Göran Eriksson never made it this easy.

Of course, all of this means nothing without a strong performance in South Africa next year, and for a major footballing nation, anything less than a win will hurt. Moreover, although Capello knows most of his first choice team, he still has a couple of positions to decide on, most notably the goalkeeper. However, these are problems for 2010. In 2009, Capello and England did all that was asked of them, and did it better than anyone could have hoped for. There are sterner challenges ahead, but if nothing else, Capello with his presence and his calm command of his charges, has restored dignity to the England team, and to the post of manager, and after the debacle of the failure to qualify for Euro 2008, that is all any fan could have hoped for.