What makes English players any better than us?
On paper they are better because they train better as youngsters, play in more rigorous leagues and tournaments at all levels. Their fans and media are more unforgiving so there is less room for error and enforces the need for perfection among the top who are mentally strong enough to deal with this level of pressure. They have greater incentives (money, fame) and they prepare more thoroughly for tournaments and games...ie. physically, mentally, nutrion-wise, etc. Also, statistically speaking, the larger population increases the probability of producing more talent. They have a stronger football history and tradition and therefore more pride in the sport than we do (that is, week in, week out they have hundreds of thousand of supporters come out and show their passion for the sport...something we do not have). This does not guarantee them success, by the way, but these are elements that can increase the chances of success and elements that are more readily availabe in England than say T&T...just an opinion.
How is it that a nation like Brazil is able to have this aura of football greatness?
They introduced the world to a new style of play in the 1950s and for that they will not be forgotten. Even today they are innovators even when they are not the best and they bring a touch of the unpredictable that most everyone seems to appreciate. More importantly, they have won the world's greatest football tournament more than anyone else...
Take for instance the fact that the core of our players ply their trade in England presumably because it has one of the best football leagues.
If you want to play against the best you have to play in England
In England there are superlative degrees of league play
Presumably the best players are in the EPL
Therefore if a player is apt at that level, they are not with the best.
Conversely, If all of the English team are made up of players at that level, they must be the best. Therefore by comparison, we are going up against the very best.
But how many collective years, legacy and perceptions did it take to develop this thinking? and what would it take to destroy the myth? (a victory of course)
What myth? That the EPL is one of the best leagues in the world? It may not be the best to everyone, but is simply one of the best. Also, I believe that where our players play has more to do with networking, where opportunities lie and exposure. England is also considered a place where Trinis can adapt easily off the field of play (language, culture...)...hence improving their comfort on the field of play. Even if we had a player who wanted to and was good enough to play for Real madrid, chances are he would still play in England (first) because that is who scouts our players and that is where we have more of a network established to channel players.
Our players going to England is not as simple as it being the best to them, but probably being the best option available to them. Also, there are players from all over the world playing in the EPL..and their national teams have proven that they can beat the English... (France, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, etc..). This does not change the idea that the EPL is a top league...so us beating them would not change that ideology either.
To me, for the current soca warriors, the belief that England is beatable comes from believing in your ability, believing in your team and training staff, the right preparation and the mere fact that anything can happen in football. Otherwise, we should respect that they are among the best...and take some pages out of their book (as well as pages of other successful football nations) when it comes to development of the sport (at all levels)....this is vital for the future. Noone beleives England is invincible or perfect...I am not sure what needs to be demystified.