MADRID, May 1 -- The image could hardly have been different in the World Cup in South Africa last summer: while England made their way prematurely home following a 4-1 defeat to Germany in the last 16 to be met with anger and ridicule by the fans. Spain returned to a hero' s welcome after beating Holland to lift the first World Cup in the country' s history.

While England relied too much on the traditional virtues of pace, strength and long early passes looking for mobile and powerful strikers, the Spanish game could hardly have been more different. Orchestrated by the Barcelona midfielders Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, the side coached by Vicente del Bosque was content to keep the ball.

The Spanish felt no need to play the ball forward; they were content to move it around the pitch, backwards if needed, waiting for a chance.

Whilst some English players gave the impression that the ball burned their feet, Xavi and company positively welcomed its presence and that different attitude was noticed in England.

Just before the World Cup fiasco, the FA has acted to put into operation a scheme called The Future Game, aimed at helping the development of young players and now the question is 'Can you import the Spanish model into England? Although it could also be argued that a further question needs to be asked 'Is there a single Spanish model?'

Xinhua interviewed two experts on the Spanish game: journalist Sid Lowe, who is well known for his work with The Guardian and the magazines, Four Four Two and World Soccer, among others and writer Phil Ball, who has written two major books on the Spanish game, 'Morbo' and 'White Storm' , a history of Real Madrid.

【体坛英语资讯：Can the Spanish football model be repeated in England?】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Messi and Umtiti close to fitness for vital forthcoming games

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Who is the greenest celebrity?

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hawks set for decider in Boston

★ 体坛英语资讯：Totti denies considering Italy return

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Quickie Vegas wedding for Pamela Anderson

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yao delivers victory in national team return

★ 体坛英语资讯：Olympic basketball hopes in jeopardy: Yao

★ 体坛英语资讯：WR holder Du expects improvement in three positions

★ 体坛英语资讯：All the NBA is a stage

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Von Teese is the new face of wonderbra