The End: Croatia Topples England

It was over before it even began. The groans of England fans could be heard as far afield as Austria and Switzerland.

The team selection was debatable—a midfield of Barry, Lampard, Gerrard, Shaun Wright Philips, and Joe Cole seemed like overkill.

Indeed, Gerrard and Lampard found time to trip over each other. Although Lampard was heard and seen only when called for a lucky penalty, Steven Gerrard can at least reflect on what may be the best interception of his career.

At least he had the experience to contend with the determined Croatians. The English defense—Bridge, Richards, Lescott, and Carson—have barely twenty caps between them. It should not surprise anyone that Carson, under extreme pressure, was found wanting when the ball hit the net for 0-1.

Anyone who blames Carson for this defeat is a fool—who would pick a goalkeeper with limited international experience for a match as important as this? Criminally, a decent goalkeeper may find his England career over before it began, and McClaren can be thanked for that.

In fact, the majority of McClaren's decisions were poor. A formation of 4-3-3 became 4-5-1, when 4-4-2 (leaving out either Lampard or Gerrard) would have suited the team better. To play with just Peter Crouch up front left England continuously waiting for someone to simply boot it in.

At half time, the substitutes were correct, save for the people they replaced. To take out Gareth Barry and Shaun Wright-Philips after such passionate displays was a disgraceful decision. Worse still was to keep Lampard on the pitch.

Beckham and Defoe injected the urgency England needed. After a lucky penalty with Beckham's signature free-kick to Crouch, the game was on and England were twenty minutes from qualifying.

Scott Carson made a terrific save against Olic, but it was not enough to save England after an expertly taken 25-yarder from Petric went in, fourteen minutes from time. Croatia were going through, up 2-3.

Or were they?

Darren Bent turned and shot, but alas, luck was not with him. The ball flew just above the crossbar, and it was over.

Despite all of the action on the field McClaren stayed in his seat, silent and moody the entire game, unlike Croatia manager Bilic, who showed England what real international football is all about.

While McClaren stood silently under an umbrella for forty-five minutes, Bilic was on his feet shouting instructions and cheering passionately when his team scored. Croatia's determination and passion is a reflection of his ability as a manager. McClaren's team only reflected the soullessness of his reign.

Real managers shout and encourage their players all the time. Take note, Steve McClaren—your old boss Sir Alex Ferguson can still teach you a thing or two about passion.

In the end, all we can do is wish the Croatians the best of luck in Austria and Switzerland. They produced a fine display of football and reminded us a little of ourselves years ago when managers and players for England alike were passionate for their country and their football.

It is the end for England, and perhaps the end for Steve McClaren too. No tears will be shed at his passing, for his lack of soul and common sense, on or off the pitch, ensured his demise, and England's as well.