The shortcomings of the English football team is a mystery that has brought pain to the home of the beautiful game, whilst providing unlimited comedic pleasure to those benefiting from the export, for over half of a century. The most lucrative league in the world, a noughties team that looked more like a World XI on paper than a national team and even some of the world's biggest names in management have failed to answer the ongoing question. Why do England always fall short?

Following the heartbreaking exit in Italia 90 which was followed by a disastrous 1994 campaign in which England failed to achieve World Cup qualification, pained England lover and comedian Rob Sprackling had had enough. Over the next seven years, together with writing partner John Smith, Sprackling assessed the reasons as to why the Three Lions were forever destined to mediocrity.

The iconic character Mike Bassett is a personification of their findings. A film that deals with more than the game of football itself, Bassett satirically portrays the the role of English society in their inability to repeat their famous feat of 1966. A patriot who refuses to change his ways, the cornered Bassett bites off much more than he can chew and his time as England boss did not just ring true in 2001, but proved prophetic to anything related to English football in the pre-Southgate era. 

As creator of one of UK comedies most quotable film characters of modern times, Rob Sprackling offers fascinating insight into not only Bassett, but also the film industry as a whole. Episode 56 sees the screenwriter sit down with The Michael Anthony Show to discuss his career, life and future. A true man of comedy, Sprackling's views make for great listening.

Episode Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcasts platforms.

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