confirmed by the latest Fifa World rankings released today, have a look who is just TWO places below us

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranki ... nking.html

I still wouldn't rush to sack McClaren.

Whoever the manager is he still has the same group of vastly over rated players to manage.

neither would i he's so funny.

Nor me. I'd let him sweat for a few days. Then sack him

Whilst McClaren is in charge, i'm not even vaguely bothered about England, which is a mighty shame. The thing that gets me is the way people on here seem to think the current players are "overrated". I don't think this is the case at all. We have some of the worlds best players. Perhaps they are as nonplussed about McClaren as I am (I wouldn't blame them) Though I agree they should put 100% in every game and be proud to wear the shirt.

I would be interested in who people think should be picked and dropped. There's only one player for me that springs to mind about being dropped from the squad and that's Downing. I also think Defoe should be given a chance. Other than that, it's hard to argue with the players he's picking.

It's the negative tactics and dreary football I can't stand. Ask any Boro fan if they'd have McClaren back.

I'd bet Arsene Wenger or someone of his stature would get the very best out of those players.

I would drop Gerrard like a stone, the excuse of him not being able to play alongside Fat Frank has been blown away in recent matches and I'm afraid he just doesn't shine on the international scene

A better coach may get more out of him, how knows, but again, on recent England form, on spell on the bench

Here's some frightening statistics which may give us a few clues to why we aren't doing so well at the highest level;

England have four clubs in the Champions league yet only 23 English players are registered to play in this seasons competition. More Scottish players are registered even though they only have two clubs in the competition, also more BRAZILIANS are eligible to play in this seasons competition than Englishmen.

Something isn't right about all that

It obviously comes down to managers believing that English players aren't as good in general than players from other parts of the world. We have some great players, but in all seriousness would any of them make a World XI. Gerrard and Rooney are fine players but are any them seriously in same league as the likes of Fabregas, Henry, Messi, Deco and the like in terms of technical ability?

do,nt worry david beckhams nearly fit, all our troubles will be over as soon as he is back in the national side the sweaties will soon be above us in the rankings

Of the last England team selection I would get rid of the following:


Robinson. He makes calamity James look good!
Lescott - not good enough for Pools reserves.
Phil Neville - why oh why?
Downing - a lower level premier league player. Hardly world class.
Gerrard, doesn't seem motivated
Oh I can't be bothered, sod it! Drop all Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea players. They seem to believe their own publicity. Select a team from the Bolton's Blackburns and championship teams. They might not lose but they are not going to lie down and die.

Most of all MacLaren I mean FFS, I would be gutted if he was ever appointed at Pools let alone England.

Incidentally, new manager? Clive Woodward.

I'd even have Edward Woodward than McClaren

Noooooo, never, didn't work at Southampton, won't work at ANY football club, like cross-ply & radial, the two codes just don't mix!

He's never been manager at Southampton. He was director of football which is a position that never ever works. The bloke can motivate, the players already know how to play, they need motivating.

I see no logic in that personally.

If Jonny hadn't kicked that drop goal, would you be suggesting that?

But he did though didn't he.

Besides, England won that world cup because they were highly motivated and tactically the best team in the world. nothing to do with Woodward?

The blokes a winner and isn't going to be fazed by reputations, thats what the England football team need.

and mainly because we were one of the best teams in the world at the time, which our football team aren't.

Irrelevant really, as he'll never get the job.

I thought that as I typed it!

Ahemmm................a Mr Turner on the phone for you Mr I.......

Why????????

He is Director of Sport, surely a totally different job

Yeah, 'cos we've got lots of other sports teams under the wing of IOR.

I could have sworn you were bashing me and Mr.Chip during last years World Cup cos basically we were saying we are shite etc!!!!

Dibble could start an argument in an empty house.


With one of his alter-egos.