Worst of 2007: England's Failure to Reach the Euros

Two years ago, after being placed in a group with the likes of Croatia and Russia, England looked like they had an easy path to qualify for Euro 2008.

However, a lacklustre performance at home to Macedonia in 2006, and a less than gutsy performance in a 2-1 loss to Russia in Moscow, all but sealed England's fate in the minds of many English die-hards across the world.

Despite such a dire qualifying campaign, Israel handed England a lifeline going into their final game of qualification against Croatia, by beating Russia 2-1. All England had to do in their final group match was beat Croatia by any score at Wembley.

Easier said than done.

England manager Steve McLaren decided that Scott Carson—whose only cap prior was four days previous in a friendly against Austria—would do a better job in goal than veteran David James.

Yes, James may be old—but he has bags of experience. Some might even argue that the best days of his career are upon us right now, as he is doing very well in Portsmouth these days.

He has been nicknamed "Calamity James" in the past, but recent performances have given England fans a different view of James.

The other choice McClaren had in goal was Paul Robinson. Robinson has let in some very soft goals in the past couple of years and it appeared these miscues have gotten to him in a hurry.

So the clear choice should have been James—yet, McLaren went with Carson, who has very little experience. Although Carson is a great goalie, and will be for years to come, McLaren threw him into the "lion's den," very early into his career?

It must be said: McClaren really dropped a clanger with that decision. 

McClaren also went with a five-man midfield that consisted of a rusty Frank Lampard and NO David Beckham! When I saw the starting lineup, I was in complete shock.

Beckham had undoubtedly been England's best player over the past five games, since he been recalled to the squad. But for some reason, McLaren thought it was smart to drop him from the lineup.

The only time I noticed Frank Lampard in the whole game was when he scored the penalty kick—other than that, I didnt see him touch the ball. Nevertheless, McLaren decided to take off Barry instead of Lampard—despite the fact that Barry had been magnificent over the past few games, and we had seen a damned sight more from him than from Lampard.

McClaren also swapped Wright-Phillips for Beckham when we were down 2-0 with 35 minutes to go. The change paid dividends almost immediately: Lampard slotted home a penalty, and Beckham's pinpoint cross to Crouch was finished in style, boosting England to 2-2 with 15 minutes left in the match.

In the end, Croatia potted the winner with close to 10 minutes to go, breaking the hearts of English fans all over the world.

It was obvious to many that McLaren shouldn't have got the job to begin with. What did he achieve at club level? He reached the UEFA cup final, and won a league cup. That is about all. 

McClaren's highest Premier League position was 11th, with Middlesborough. Yes, he had been Sven's assistant for a number of years—but that is as high as he should have risen.

Any comments or responses? Thanks all.