China's soccer prospects are bright

On Monday night, I settled down happily in front of the television to watch England's crucial group qualifying match in the Euro 2016 tournament, a match against Slovakia which they needed to win or draw to make it through to the last 16. After all, they've beaten Slovakia in the three times they've played them.

England managed a draw, dominating the game but failing to crack the 10-man defense that Slovakia had opted for. Watching England can be extremely frustrating at times, and this was one of them.

But it did set me to thinking about the state of soccer worldwide. Given the scandals that have rocked FIFA, the world governing body, in recent months, you would be forgiven for thinking the game is in crisis.