Mac's headache

James Dall asks whether England should stick with a winning formula

Last updated: 13th September 2007

Mac's headache

McClaren: Quandary

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How feelings and emotions can change in football - one moment the nation is in crisis, the fans are taunting Steve McClaren and his players, labelling them a disgrace, the next, the country is in buoyant mood.

The national side had hit an all-time low in October 2006 when McClaren experimented with his side to form a 3-5-2 formation.

It was a dangerous and unwelcome decision, England were heading to Zagreb to face an extremely tough Croatia side. Eyebrows were raised when the boss made the call to try out an untested system in a vital qualifying game.

England of course lost the game 2-0. Gary Neville's own goal was the icing on the cake, the side trudged off looking devastated, the supporters screamed with displeasure and the back pages scrutinised every facet of the display.

For McClaren and his men, the only way was up. The improvement over the months was unconvincing, as the side put in several limp performances.

Fast forward to September 2007 and England's position in Group E still looked fragile. The pressure really was mounting, McClaren's men faced back-to-back home games against Israel and Russia, and six points was a must.

Leading up to the matches the side began to crumble through injuries, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Owen Hargreaves, David Beckham and Neville were all ruled out. The manager had decisions to make, decisions that would have monumental bearing on whether England stood any chance of heading to Austria and Switzerland.

Chosen

Leading up to the imperatively important games, McClaren made his first decision, he recalled Emile Heskey to the squad. The powerful striker had gone three years without an appearance in an England shirt, but after some decent form for Wigan Athletic, Heskey was given the nod.

Debate raged on as to whether McClaren had made a foolish mistake, but among the critics there were murmurings of agreement. The colossal forward had previously enjoyed a fantastic understanding with Michael Owen, and some fancied the pair to recapture what was a marvellous partnership.

McClaren had few other options but to start Heskey against Israel, and he also gave Gareth Barry the nod to slot in alongside Steven Gerrard. On paper the team looked to have a natural balance, there was an air of optimism among the England faithful.

Though Israel were beatable, England made it look easy. The performance was pacey and full of hunger. The rapid Shaun Wright-Phillips opened the scoring, and an in-form Owen doubled the lead. Micah Richards wrapped up the points allowing McClaren to let slip a wry grin.

The nation was more than aware that the work was not over. Israel were uninspirational, Russia on the Wednesday were bound to be a tougher test. Guus Hiddink's side had conceded just one goal in the group stages, the pressure was on once again for England to deliver.

Peter Crouch was available from suspension, but Heskey's outstanding performance against Israel meant McClaren once again had to earn his money, by making a crucial decision. Heskey had shown great strength and link-play on the Saturday, he was a monster.

Another of the newer faces had impressed too, Barry bossed the midfield. He was the perfect complement to Gerrard. Years and years of discussion as to whether Lampard and Gerrard are compatible had been forgotten, Barry was the new hero.

Dilemma

The England boss stuck with the same starting XI, Barry and Heskey more than deserved their consecutive starts. The game began in ideal fashion, Owen opened the scoring on just seven minutes with some excellent composure and anticipation. He then made it 40 England goals after a flick-on from Heskey. Russia showed their quality but could not find the net, and Rio Ferdinand made it three to seal a thoroughly enjoyable win.

Now here lies the dilemma for Mr McClaren. When Beckham et al return and are available for the next set of qualifiers in October, what is the boss to do? Rooney is arguably one of the best players in the world and warrants a place in any team, but Heskey and Owen clicked - they were a formidable partnership, so should McClaren put out what he reignited?

The predicament does not stop there. Lampard will undoubtedly return to scoring form for Chelsea, but what about Barry? He showed class and composure and was England's best player against Russia. It continues - the experienced Neville should be back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines and he faces a fight for his next cap. Yet Richards is a giant and he formed a brilliant understanding with Wright-Phillips.

If Beckham had been available for the double-header there seems little doubt that he would have slotted in at right midfield. Chelsea's Wright-Phillips gave England a different dimension though, for while he lacks Beckham's delivery he possesses frightening pace and is willing to beat his man.

For now McClaren has some respite, he has delivered and chosen wisely. But in October he could face a real selection headache. Currently England are second in Group E, and are in a solid position. But they could easily fritter away what they have worked so hard for. McClaren has many decisions to make, but will he make the correct ones?

Comments (48)

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Craig Gowland (Arsenal fan) says...

Absolutely agree with what most people on here have said. Stick with the team. If any change is needed, consider bringing in Hargreaves for Barry but even that is a maybe as Barry was absolute quality. I also watched the Last Word last night with Andy Gray mentioning that England could not beat Brazil, Argentina et al like David (WBA). Alike David, I do not agree. Lampard is undoubtedly an exceptional footballer, but with him the team is unbalanced. Lampard too often drops back to pick up the ball on the halfway line from the defence and then attempt to play a meaningless pass. This is not the role of an attacking midfielder. Until Lampard can fulfill his role and not expect the same sort of free role and grace he gets with Chelsea, he should not play. Rooney is different in that he merits his place by his workrate. There are still question marks over temperment and there always will be, but he does give his all for the team. That being said, if Heskey is fit, and continues his form, it would be a better idea to play him in what will undoubtedly be a physical aerial battle. Rooney can be too physical and if he gets carded early we will be walking a tightrope for the rest of the game.

Posted 15:08 17th September 2007

Junaid Khanche (Manchester United fan) says...

Lampard should never come back!!!!!!! england play so much better without him. barry has played well but i was shocked when carrick didnt start but mclaren should keep the same team though

Posted 21:40 16th September 2007

David Bunce (West Bromwich Albion fan) says...

I agree with Daniel (forest fan) that Barry/Gerrard worked better than Gerrard/Lampard ever has and injuries permitting McLaren should not change a winning team. I get really annoyed at so called experts saying that you cannot leave out players like Lampard , Rooney etc. Andy Gray made a comment that to beat the likes of Brazil , Italy , Argentina etc you cannot leave out the likes of Lampard , Rooney etc. Well excuse me Mr Gray let me tell you we couldnt beat the likes of Macedonia , Northern Ireland , Croatia , Sweden with a team full of these so called world class performers so what makes you think they will contribute to a TEAM performance against the World beaters ? The way forward is for players like Barry , Heskey , Shorey , Richards to be part of a team with the likes of Gerrard/Lampard/Owen/Rooney ; not to simply put the best players in their respective positions on the pitch and expect them to perform as a unit or as a team , and to work for each other and to put nothing but the team first. It just doesnt work like that ask Sven. I agree that Rooney and Lampard are top performers but for the benefit of the TEAM it may be wise to have them on the bench and have them chomping at the bit , then if Gerrard gets hurt put Lampard on if Owen isnt performing bring Rooney on. Thats the way forward its all about getting the right formula and thats the way England can really perform to the potential and progress to the very latter stages of tournaments.

Posted 21:26 16th September 2007

John Crouch (Chelsea fan) says...

Why bother bringing Rooney back? All he does is swear at the referee and then gets sent off for stupid reasons. He needs to control his temper. Players like Owen and Heskey are respectful and play well together. Keep the same team untill they falter and then maybe consider changing it.

Posted 15:25 16th September 2007

M Syed (Manchester United fan) says...

It's simple, England have not had real chemistry and balance for some time. I think the time is right for McLaren to drop the big names and pick those that fight for their country. If that means Barry partnering Gerrad in midfield - so be it. We have witnessed for years, that the pitch is too small for Lampard and Gerrard to be on one team. One has to go and the World Cup proves that. Hargreaves was the best player last year, but if he is not up to the individual standards now expected then he doesn't deserve to be in the team. It is all about chemistry, balance, determination and pride, and thankfully we have manager who is prepared to make tough decisions.

Posted 14:06 16th September 2007

Matthew Booth (Manchester United fan) says...

Just take out Joe Cole and replace with Wayne Rooney. Rooney has played a free role on the wings for Man Utd in the past and done really well. Joe Cole is just a horrible horrible player. He continuously cuts inside and always, always has a million touches before releasing the ball. Rubbish... Other than that, keep it the same. When Gary Neville comes back, put him right back, and Micah Richards centre half with Terry. Rio Ferdinand is constantly getting skinned and made to look like a baby by poor opponents. Again, rubbish...

Posted 13:31 16th September 2007

Steve Cairns (Milton Keynes Dons fan) says...

Simple. Start with the same 11 and let them continue to prove their worth; collectively and individually. Keep the "names" on the bench and, if needed, let them come on with a bit of renewed hunger and desire to prove that they are more than just "names". If not needed, leave them on the bench - a little bringing back down to earth may not be a bad thing. Not a bad position to be in though!

Posted 14:35 15th September 2007

Musiyiwa Mupinyuri (Arsenal fan) says...

When Mclaren picks the next team he should not look at names but the best team eleven thats balanced.The last team played well,so why change a winning team

Posted 12:30 15th September 2007

Richard Whitlock (Newcastle United fan) says...

Quite a dilemma indeed! Of course the team won 2 out of 2, and it would be so easy to say "keep the team the same" but as soon as we lose, the decision will have been the wrong one. The nation always expects. On the other hand, i am a firm believer that no player should play for England because of his name. The manager would have no credability if he told his players to play for their shirts then played somebody else because they're a bigger name. Barry played out of his skin, and if Lampard nudges him out of the squad i wont be happy one bit. Where Wright-Phillips and Richards are concerned, it is purely time for change. Neville and Beckham are true English greats, but their times have come and gone - as dificult as it is we need to give the younger players the experience they deserve and need. The only big decision for me is who to partner Owen? Being a Newcastle fan i'm bound to be biased, but i would like to see Owen and Smith be given a chance at club level to show what they can do together, but for the time being i would find it impossible to drop Heskey. But mark my words, eventually, injuries will force change, how good does a bench of James, Neville, Beckham, Lampard and Rooney sound??

Posted 07:42 15th September 2007

Robert Considine (Manchester United fan) says...

I am an Irish lad so while we had a week to forget I think the English lads did well. Its worth pointing out that at home you would expect just that and the true test will come in October away agains the Russians. The pressure on the English lads is immense and that is why they tend to struggle to match their premiership form. Lamps is a one off but trying to fit him in with Gerrard will never work its either one or the other and for me Gerrard is the man. Cramming the team with big names won't guarentee the points and the last two games proved just that. The Irish squad make the most of what they got but the English forget sometimes that a winning formula is not neccessarily all the big names in the premiership. A well oiled machine is whats needed with everyone pulling in the same direction thats why with either Gareth Barry or Owen Hargreaves in the middle with Stevie/Lamps will get the results. Rooney is a class act but sometimes he tries too much and himself and Owen don't click so again it's a (Roney/Crouch or Owen/Hesky) combo that will work best. I hope they get through so at least I have something to watch next summer.

Posted 05:03 15th September 2007

Norman Newsom (Hull City fan) says...

England's performance against Russia was the best from an England side that i have seen since we went to the semi's in the 1990 world cup. I would not change a thing. we looked a well balanced side. well done to the boys. however as mc claren got the balls to keep this winning team ( seeing is believing )

Posted 01:19 15th September 2007

Daniel Okey (Arsenal fan) says...

I think the answer is always to pick players who are on form. Heskey deserved his place and did well. Too often with England the old guard are picked just because of who they are. So, if Barry and Heskey are still playing well for their clubs, why not pick them for the team ahead of others. As for Lampard and Gerrard playing together the answer is blindingly obvious - the team needs balance. The problem with England is that we're all trapped into these short term dilemmas. In the long term we aren't going to win anything in international football unless we address some fundamental issues. Having a poor England team is the price we pay for an exciting premiership. I'm talking about player and coach development, tactics, the relationships between clubs and the FA, the demands of the season, the number of times England play (we played less often together as a team than any other country going into the last world cup and the friendlies we did play were often meaningless because of the number of substitutions). Unless we really get to grips with these issues I'm afraid that in the long term the odds will always be against England having any international success. These short term dilemmas are a smokescreen. We shouldn't forget that England have consistently under-performed at international football despite all the hype and its about time we really got to grips with it.

Posted 21:43 14th September 2007

Mohsin Ijaz (Manchester United fan) says...

Yes i agree, both Barry and Heskey played an excellent game. did their jobs perfectly. Dont think we should get carried away though, hargreaves shows he can do that job at world cup level. not by playing russia or etc.. heskey does his job well, and thats making owen score. owen should b good enough to score goals whoever partners with him. why have one scoring goals when you can have 2. thats why rooney fits the bill.

Posted 16:06 14th September 2007

Darren Reece (Manchester City fan) says...

why cant we just keep it plain and simple, we win two games with the same team so why change it and if the next game comes and ends in defeat then change it where weaknesses occur, ok heskey not the greatest but hes doin whats asked of him, as for lampard neville becks rooney well make them compete for their place back, this will make them hungrier and when the chance comes could bring more out of them,its like they think they can just walk into that place cos of their name, it should not be and be performance rated so come on stick with the same boys let the others sweat and prove their as good as they say they are.

Posted 16:04 14th September 2007

Andy Mccafferty (Celtic fan) says...

I think England played so well against Israel and Russia!! Hesky was immense but like previous comments there is no way you can keep Rooney out of the side. Everytime ive watched England play when Rooney is on the pitch you watch in anticipation everytime he gets the ball, unlike lamps, becks and co. Rooney earns his place week in week out, 150% effort for every game. Heskey should def b above crouch for a bench position as he is much stronger can actually direct a header and has a formidable partnership with Owen. Elsewhere in the team i wouldnt change a THING. well done England proud 2 be a supporter again!!

Posted 15:44 14th September 2007

Joe Vella says...

Never change a winning side...besides Neville and Beckham are past their best...Lampard has not played up to the level he shows in the Premiership; while Rooney and Hargreaves can wait.

Posted 15:14 14th September 2007

Billy Mayanja says...

The team perfomed well, I still think Owen H & W.Rooney have a place in case they regain full fitness. otherwise the players with the best form at the time of the next game should be fielded.

Posted 15:08 14th September 2007

Callum Brooks (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

I think the team played really well in both games, but I wonder how the same team would do against the bigger International sides. I would stick with Barry over Lampard and have Beckham on the bench. However I think Heskey may find himself outclassed by the better teams especially when playing away from home so I would pick Rooney over him. I think the JT and Rio combo is a really strong pairing at the back with plenty of players pushing them for places. Richards at RB is fantastic and will get us assists plus a few goals, but I would look at bringing in Wayne Bridge over Ashley Cole I thought out of all the players on the pitch he was dodgy. And although Shorey is good cover he isn't really International material. Another change I would make is put Carson in goal over Robbo, Robbo is a great keeper with very little confidence, perhaps another keeper going in there would spark Robbo back into form

Posted 14:03 14th September 2007

Graham Meek (West Ham United fan) says...

If all of the 11 players are fit for the next game, they have earned the right to start. The last two performances give the nation hope and something to look forward to rather than the depressing thought of watching a poor England performance, which may or may not ground out a victory. I wouldn't have Beckham in the squad and I cannot remember the last time Lampard had a good game for England, although he will clearly be a good player to have on the bench. Hargreaves and Rooney in particular will have something to offer, but they should start on the bench and to be forced to put on a display when called upon, which makes it impossible to leave them out. I look forward to the next game and hope that McClaren does what the large majority of the nation want and sticks with a winning team.

Posted 13:04 14th September 2007

Paul M (Chelsea fan) says...

It is difficult for me to say this being a Chelsea fan but Lampard should be left out of this team, at least until form drops in the centre of the park anyway. Neville has been Mr consistent throughout his career, but that's purely because he won't take a risk and attack the oppostion. For me it has to be Wright-Phillips and Richards at right along with Terry, Carragher (if he ever comes back) and Cole . Rio has never been at his best since his ban. He gets in on name alone. Heskey has proven he can do a job for us so why drop him. Rooney has years left in him and I reckon with his energy he would make a much better substitute and would destroy a tired defence. He is a player you can bring on to maintain a lead, or work for that much needed goal. When the standard of performance drops, that's when changes should be made. Isn't that the whole point of substitutions?

Posted 12:40 14th September 2007
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