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McClaren's desperation on show

International football
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Desperate men take desperate measures - and England coach Steve McClaren desperately needs a win in Estonia next Wednesday.

Hence the inexplicable recall of David Beckham and an embarrassing rewrite of history by a coach who effectively consigned the former England captain to international football's dustbin after the World Cup.

McClaren would also like to raise the curtain on a new England era with a win against Brazil when his team returns to new Wembley on Friday.

But it is Tallinn and next Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier that really counts.

If England fail to win there, the credits will roll on what has so far been an ill-fated reign in charge of England.

McClaren makes a fair point when he insists Beckham's recall is to win a game in Estonia that could hold the key to qualification for next summer's showpiece.

But outweighing that reality is the sense of despair that McClaren actually feels England need the re-introduction of Beckham to beat one of international football's minnows.

It also further damages the credibility of a coach undermined by poor results and performances since his appointment.

Man of decision?

Well maybe, or maybe not, as his predecessor Sven-Goran Eriksson might have said.

What of McClaren's assistant Terry Venables, whose public backing for Beckham's return has been less than fulsome?

Those close to Venables in the media have been particularly scathing about the decision - and rightly so - and it may well be an echo of his own thoughts.

McClaren is right when he insists it is his head on the block but Venables' continued presence in the set-up is an increasing source of mystery.

What is he there for? What does he do?

Those of us who suggested his appointment was a ham-fisted PR stunt designed to deflect criticism away from the paucity and predictability of McClaren's own elevation still stand by every word.

Blackburn's emerging David Bentley should have been considered before Beckham, while Shaun Wright-Phillips has also shown flashes of returning form and confidence.

If Bentley, outstanding with Blackburn and England Under-21s, cannot be given a chance against Estonia when will the time be right to introduce such a maturing talent?

Ditching Beckham was McClaren's "big idea" on taking charge, the statement of intent that ushered in the new era.

McClaren now obviously regards his big idea as a bad idea.

Recalling Beckham in desperation and haste to ensure England can beat the mighty Estonia tells you all you need to know about how he is not the right man for this job.

And the idea that Beckham can still be considered for England once he moves to Major League Soccer with LA Galaxy is ludicrous.

Magnificent trainer and physical specimen he may be, according to his admirers, but you don't pluck a man from the equivalent of the Conference to stride the international stage.

Newcastle striker Michael Owen's return makes more sense, although there is still an element of gamble given his shortage of football.

And Owen Hargreaves' absence at least spares McClaren the task of making the key decision about how to solve the Steven Gerrard-Frank Lampard conundrum in central midfield.

McClaren has apparently seen the hunger and desire in his players' eyes - but haven't we heard all this before?

Never mind desire in the eyes, it is a result McClaren needs now, if not against Brazil then certainly Estonia.

Fail, and even Beckham's giant presence will not be sufficient to shield him from an inevitable fate.

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comment by BH osc (U1152071)

posted Jun 1, 2007

More McNulty wisdom ok

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comment by chumpitaz (U8537475)

posted Jun 1, 2007

It is unfortunate that someone of McNulty's journalistic stature holds such a strong bias against Beckham.

Say what you want about his previous form, his contract with the LA Galaxy, his endorsement deals, his hair, whatever. From a football perspective, and McNulty is after all a football writer, Beckham has been in top form as of late for Real Madrid.

In reading this piece I could not help but wonder if McNulty had watched any of Beckham's latest games with Real? Or, if he did not have the time for this, how about reading on what the usually cynical Spanish press, and even the usually reserved Fabio Capello had to say about Becks?

A quick internet search will reveal amazing things, Mr. McNulty.

If the national team is meant to be the national showcase of a country's talent, then including a player who is currently at the top of his game in one of the most competitive leagues in the world is a no-brainer.

Then again, I also wonder whether Mr. McNulty wrote this article a few months ago before Beckham's latest rise, choosing to stick to his opinions and ignore the facts.

Surely, someone of Mr. McNulty's journalistic stature should know better than that.

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comment by Noddy (U1728641)

posted Jun 1, 2007

As an aussie living in the UK, I find it incredible that the english media are even considering the possibility of England not winning. Perhaps it is symptomatic of the pessimistic sporting mentality of the country in general that column inches should be wasted considering what might happen to Steve Mclaren if England (Fifa ranking 8) dont beat Estonia (FIFA ranking 110). England SHOULD annihilate Estonia. It should not be a contest.
Think positive and win. Its not really that difficult.

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comment by U4598702 - banned (U4598702)

posted Jun 1, 2007

Mclaren is pants! McLaren is Pants! Everybody do the McLaren is Pants Dance!!!!

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comment by U4598702 - banned (U4598702)

posted Jun 1, 2007

you could dig me nan oop froom the grave and shed have more success than this mclaren plonkah!

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comment by Nuggets (U7339780)

posted Jun 2, 2007

It's all gone quiet over here after last night's result.

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comment by THFC (U1976567)

posted Jun 3, 2007

It's the usual drivel we've come to expect from the BBC pundits.

How is picking one our best players desperate?

He should never have been dropped in the first place and, if we fail to qualify, that will be the decision that cost McClaren his job!

Also, as an aside to his ability, Beckham shows the passion and committment that has missing from the team for so long now.

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comment by intotherough (U7162427)

posted Jun 5, 2007

Yep, there's no denying that those who point out Beck's limitations - the lack of pace, of dribbling skills and of an ability to effortlessly get past his man - have a point, and he's not the world's best tackler or header of the ball either.

But he CAN deliver a sublime ball from a set piece.

This is critical in games where we are playing the so-called minnows who pack all their out-field players in their own penalty area. It's the only way we have to score against such teams, because we don't have the players to pick them apart with close ball control and intricate passing.

Doesn't really matter if we replaced Becks with a pacy winger because even if they do get past the two or three men sent to mark them, all they are going to be doing is crossing the ball into a sea of bodies.

This is why, with Becks in the team, we can get to quarter-finals. But it's not enough against the best teams, who will play a more open game anyway, giving pacier wingers more opportunity. So, play Becks in qualifiers, not in the games against the better teams, except to bring him on later to try and nick us a goal from a set piece if all else is failing.

The author of this topic based his argument on the idea that we are only playing Estonia, therefore we can afford to try someone like Bentley. The result against Croatia showed Estonia can't be taken foregranted, and it's not the best idea to blood someone in a pressured must-win game abroad, especially a game which is more likely to suit Beckham.

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comment by THFC (U1976567)

posted Jun 5, 2007

Some good points there.

You might get offered a job at the BBC!

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