ENGLAND – England have made plans to train with the new World Cup Ball after acknowledging they will see very little of it during the competition.
Unveiled this week, the Adidas Brazuca ball could be the most unfamiliar to an England team since they failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup.
Adidas say the new ball is made from six identical panels, none of which is expected to be touched by an English boot for longer than a few seconds at a time.
World Cup ball
Recent England friendlies have forced manager Roy Hodgson to use the Brazuca in training now or risk not seeing it altogether when it is being deftly passed around his team during the World Cup.
“It’s such a lovely ball, with the different colours and everything” admitted Hodgson. “I wanted the players to get a good feel for it right away so they go back to those fond memories when Spain are pinging it around us from a distance.”
England Captain Steven Gerrard said the team were “eager” to get what will be one of few chances to pass the ball between them.
The Jabulani was previously castigated by England players who said “it felt awful every time we tried to hoof to up to the front man in hope more than anything else.”
“The boys know as soon as it kicks off in June we won’t be able to get it back off the opposition so we’re grateful to get a kick while we can.”
Sensible move
A statement from the FA read: “We have determined that if this England team wants to see the new World Cup Ball up close we cannot afford to wait for the Brazil World Cup because by then it could be too late.”
Experts believe the ball’s improved grip, touch and aerodynamics on the pitch will make the Brazuca even easier to pass around a static England midfield.
Argentina star Lionel Messi is just one player with the ability to keep possession to be involved in the development of the Brazuca and backed the English FA’s decision.
“It is a nice ball yes. It will be a shame England will barely see it in Brazil so yes they should get to see it now.”
“It makes total sense.”
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