England’s road to Brazil: Vauxhall v Lamborghini
As Roy Hodgson reveals his England squad for the 2014 World Cup at the Vauxhall car plant in Luton, Channel 4 News Sports Correspondent Keme Nzerem looks at how England’s Vauxhall will fare against the likes of Italy and Germany.
The helpful thing about social media is that journalists get instant feedback on the kind of questions we ask at press conferences. Our audience with England Manager Roy Hodgson this afternoon is no exception.
Twitter is split down the middle. Some fans are furious that in comparing the England team to their main sponsor Vauxhall, while suggesting the Italians might be best compared to a Lamborghini, I’m dissing Roy’s boys before the tournament has even begun.
@RobHarris @nzerem_c4 stupid, patronising question. Start putting down the squad already.
— Nuba (@nubasutra) May 12, 2014
Others have taken it as a bit of a joke and pointed out that on Brazilian roads, a Vauxhall is probably a much better bet than a 700-horsepower top-end sports car.
“@RobHarris: At Vauxhall factory, @nzerem_c4 asks Hodgson if squad is like a Vauxhall – "ordinary"” actually accurate
— Chris (@MrMeatPotatoPie) May 12, 2014
For the avoidance of doubt though, here is the transcript of my question: word for word.
“Hi Roy, Keme Nzerem, Channel 4 News.
“On a similar note, a young squad, exciting, fresh – internally, behind closed doors, there’s obviously enthusiasm and excitement but, you’ll be aware, outside there is a perception that England have kind of become the kind of Vauxhall, if you like, of international football.
“Dependable, well-made, well-organised, full of energy, but ultimately a little bit ordinary. How are you gonna persuade your young squad that they can go as far as you say they can?”
Scenes in the England presser after @nzerem_c4 says England and #Vauxhall ordinary in the Vauxhall plant. Roy dealt with it pretty well.
— Alex Pitt (@pitt_ao) May 12, 2014
Hodgson’s response was diplomatic and thoughtful – as it always is – and you can watch the entire exchange below (and below that, a few more of your tweets).
@RobHarris @nzerem_c4 @OliverKayTimes Here starts the carping and criticism. Must be World Cup time.
— Agent Moyes (@Agent_Moyes) May 12, 2014
@Channel4News @nzerem_c4 Vauxhall probably more suited to the roads in Rio, lets home the wheels dont come off too early!
— 1 YM (@Yousuf_Miah) May 12, 2014
@Channel4News @nzerem_c4 How do Vauxhalls normally fair against Lamborghinis?
— Marlon Nyirenda (@mar_nyi) May 12, 2014
@nzerem_c4 It's a TVR…young, exciting, expensive, but not the quality of those in it's it's class, and will be gone before you know it!
— Hugh Woozencroft (@HughWoozencroft) May 12, 2014
Follow @nzerem_c4 on Twitter.