England didnt have the spirit of Alan Ball and 1966 at Wembley
England's participation in the European Championships ended at Wembley tonight and with it surely the employment of Steve McLaren.
McLaren had been handed another chance after Israel's defeat of Russia and he didnt take it, his formation and team selection was completely wrong, yes it was a blow to lose a soft goal after a horrendous error by Scott Carson, but very few England players looked happy on the night and very few had the passion needed to steer England through.
One exception was David Beckham he inspired the fightback and England should really have had it sewn up atfer getting back to level terms, but although Carson found his confidence you really have to say that the Engalnd defence let the side down time and time again, at left back Wayne Bridge was appaling, he offered nothing going forward and his defending was terrible, the two centre backs failed to dominate and steady the side and Richards who had a reasonable game first half went to pieces in the second.
But in truth it was poor leadership, McLaren and indeed terry Venables must shoulder the blame, there isnt one good thing you can say about their leadership on the night, McLaren doesnt have a thing about him and what is Venables doing, absolutely nothing !
The one thing England can perhaps move forward with after this disaster is that it is going to be the best part of a year before they have to play a competitive game, during that year they can replace the entire managerial set up and retire several of the players, they can also blood new players and have them ready for the World Cup qualifyers.
For some of the players it should be a wake up call, they dont have the god given right to play in these tournaments and earn a fortune, it will hopefully bring them back to earth, and thank god we dont have to see their gold digging wives and girlfriends in the paper on a daily basis.
On a final tongue in cheek Saints fans point of view, we can blame Portsmouth, Sol Campbell was appalling whilst Niko Kranjcar set Croatia on their way with the opening goal.