McClaren dodged a bullet last week but we're not there yet

Internationals / Paul Moon / 17 September 2007 / Leave a Comment

Pablo Luna looks at England's performances in the last week and the dilemmas McClaren is facing in the next matches

Steve 'Bunglemaster' McClaren has just experienced the luckiest week of his life.

England should already be assured of a place at the 2008 European Championships in Austria and Switzerland but inept mismanagement means there is still work to be done. We were handed one of the simplest draws in Group E and there would be no excuse in not qualifying.

Over the last week injuries robbed McClaren of his usual under performing team and he was forced to play a traditional 4-4-2 English line up. He had no choice but to play Heskey or Crouch, Richards, Wright-Phillips and Gareth Barry.

I confidently expected England to beat Israel easily if they played a high tempo game. The game against Russia was a different matter! Though the young Russian side was unlucky (scored a perfectly good goal and at times terrorised us down the flanks) it was a marvellous victory. Russia, intelligent and technically correct are a decent side. They had only conceded one goal in eight games in this tournament so far and looked very useful. It was the best performance under McClaren without doubt!

The ridiculed Heskey was a good selection. He resumed his partnership with Owen (now 14 goals in 14 games whilst playing alongside the big lump) and although Heskey was unlucky not to score he did more than enough in contributing to both wins. He deserves to play against Estonia.

Now we have Micah Richards (19 years old) we will never need the tedious Gary Neville. Although given a hard time by Zhirkov he looks class and has shown speed, ability and composure and I feel he will be our number two for years to come! He is a real attacking full back who can score goals from open play and set pieces.

I am not a huge fan of Wright-Phillips (cannot cross a ball to save his life) because of his lack of end product but you have to concede his willingness, energy and work rate and he scrored against Israel. He appeared to be finding a relationship down the right with Richards.

The best performances came from Gareth Barry (interesting that he was preferred to Carrick). I cannot believe the quality and maturity of his contribution. It was of the highest standard. It also meant that Gerrard could play his natural game - passing and running into the heart of the opposition defence and at last the England midfield looked dynamic.

Barry's passing was crisp and simple yet always hurting the opposition. I cannot remember him giving the ball away. His positional play was superb and he even tidied up mistakes made by the back four. I cannot believe McClaren could consider dropping him for the match against Estonia on 13th October. In fact I would leave the side unchanged and bring Rooney and Beckham on to the bench to replace the useless Downing and the average Phil Neville.

I would not consider Lampard at this time. He unbalances the side and my preference is for Steven Gerrard having the attacking midfield role.

After these fine results England (1.42 with Betfair) are 2nd favourites to qualify for Euro 2008 whilst Russia (3.15 to qualify with Betfair) are now 3rd favourites behind Croatia in Group E.

But caution! We have to remember that England go and play on an absurd plastic pitch in Russia on 17 October but they are in control of their own destiny. Will McClaren conspire to bottle it?