4th in the world - its England
1 point from two European Championship qualifying games have left English fans calling for the head, Steve McClaren after only five games into his reign.
A humorous attempt at a 3-5-2 formation in Zagreb, which was more 5-3-2 with 5 defenders in the side and 3 midfielders who don’t have the likes of France, Argentina or Brazil worrying. Oh and lest we forget, Peter Crouch upfront showing us that he really can’t score against any side with a respectable FIFA ranking.
So where did it all go wrong or right (if you are Scottish or Croatian)?
Well brand Rio had another terrible game apart from the rugby tackle that earned him a booking. The most cultured defender in England was meant to thrive on the freedom the 3-5-2 formation would allow him but again he showed poor awareness and judgement.
John Terry, the new captain continued his amazing record of committing a massive howler every game and his one in this game was impressive. A ball crossed into the box sailed over Terry’s head; as he stood rooted to the ground; to the head of Da Silva, the very player the captain was meant to be marking resulting in the first goal. Terry also showed a complete lack of understanding about his position or role in this new formation was meant to be.
Cashly Cole was another poor performer throughout the game. The English press defended him by saying he is only returning from injury, well if that is the case he should not have played. His touch and distribution were the worst of any English player on display and he frequently passed to players in blue or into areas where no other player was. Like Terry he also did not have his jumping boots on at the first goal.
For the first time in 84 international games, Gary Neville at last found the back of the net but it was his own net he found for his first international goal. It was a comical moment when he side footed the ball purposefully back to Paul Robinson in goal to hoof it up the pitch, only for the ball to bobble over his swinging right boot and into the goal to make it 2-0.
So what now for England? Some fans were chanting for the return of David Beckham, a player discarded by McClaren and can now be found sitting down in Madrid during football games. With no competitive games until an away match in Israel in March next year, we can only wait to see what exciting new formation England can develop to continue this level of entertainment.
