Where to now England??

As the nation wakes up this morning to the fact that what seemed a comfortable group to ease past has proved to be too much for the Premier League's finest, with a catastrophic 3-2 home defeat by Croatia leaving the country stunned the recriminations are beginning in earnest.

McLaren has already been sacked and after admitting there could be 'no excuses', there was never going to be any other outcome. It is noticeable that Gus Hiddink who last month criticised McClaren's "schoolboy tactics" following Russia's win over England added to his words indirectly pointing out the obvious outcome: "If you have a plan and the coach makes obvious repetitive mistakes, it's different [than if people are happy and there is a good vision]" .

Already the names of the next manager are being thrown around. Names in the frame include Hiddink, Jose Mourhino, Felipe Scolari, Arsene Wenger, Martin O'Neill and would you believe it Sam Allardyce!

I think the FA will be pulling out all the stops to appoint a glamour foreign name after the McLaren disaster. McLaren's reign has made it all but impossible for a domestic name to be appointed.

England Sack McLaren

Sky News are reporting that the FA have sacked McLaren. The first report we've seen of the expected outcome after last nights shocking performance and result. The FA is to shortly hold a press conference

England on the brink

Steve McLaren certainly has a few posers to think of before tomorrow night & it says much of Englands form that he has. His first big decision is who to have in goal. Scott Carson is seriously knocking on the door, not least because of the unconvincing form of Paul Robinson. Personally I think he should be big and brave and go for Carson. Robinson has never convinced at the best of times

In midfield he has even more pondering to do. Surely he has to pick one of Barry or Hargreaves. Barry should get the nod - he's looked outstanding in his last few games. Keeps it simple and holds England together very well while shielding the back four. Beckham and Gerrard are musts so that leaves on spot. Reports are coming in of a revolution in tactics for this game - more like have no left sided option so will play 4-1-3-2 with Lampard, Gerrard and Beckham the three. Either way he's got to have some caution and ensure a clean sheet.

Upfront should be more simple - there's not much to choose from! I cant see past Crouch and either a five man midfield with Cole or possibly Darren Bent. This for me is where England could come unstuck. They don't have many options if it goes pear-shaped in the hunt for goals and the longer we don't score the more nervous we'll become and the more confident the Croats will be.

Gut feel - we'll win with a bit to spare!!!

Israel win 2-1!, England now just need a draw, Scotland out

What a night for Steve McLaren & England. They're are still in Euro 2008 and its now back in their own hands. They just require a draw at home to Croatia and they're through. Surely Steve and the boys can manage that. Russia have been beaten by an injury time goal from Omar Golan. England now have a great chance and what a night it will be next Wednesday!

Poor old Scotland have tumbled out and missed out on qualifying for the first time in 10 years. A late late goal from Christian Pannuci broke Scottish hearts after Ferguson had equalised Luca Tonis early opener. Italy just had that bit too much quality for the Scots who now finish third with Italy and France qualifying.

And so the spotlight turns to England.............

Dont know about you but I personally find England a total bore unless they are playing in the finals of a major competition. They invariably play beneath their talents against tedious opposition, often underwhelming their way to the finals. Remember Bobby Robson being shown live on telly as the Swedes did us a favour and got us to the Euro finals (where we promptly got walloped).

McLarens England have really not looked the part. From his late realisation that Gerrard and Lampard are a match made in football mismatch hell, to his continued sticking with the error strewn Robinson McLaren has struggled to give real confidence at any time in his reign. Now relying on the Israelis to do something against Russia at home and when they are without their best player and captain in Yossi Benayoun the sands of time could well be running out on his time in the hot seat.

Failure to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1994 would be a major setback for England and would lead to a boring summer 2008. No nights in the packed pub getting a lager shower while 'Vindaloo' and 'World in motion' is banged out! Come on England and Israel I dont want to miss those balmy weeknights in the boozer!!!