lookupsport

Remarkably England have been given a “get out of jail free card” by their close friends Israel.  Allegedly inspired by some tabloid journalism (which was either an attempt to sell newspapers or a clever mind game - I know where my money is), Israel managed to beat Russia and give England a chance of reaching Euro 2008.  A chance that they probably don’t deserve but will hopefully grab with both hands or at least one foot.

Supposing they don’t throw it away and get the minimum draw that is required to qualify, then go on and actually fulfil their potential and win Euro 2008.  Where will all the “boo boys” be then?  My bet is they will be at the front of the queue requesting McClaren be knighted and the entire squad are given MBE’s as a minimum.  I guess the point I am making is that the media and the average football fan is so fickle as to do a complete 180 degree turn on the basis of a couple of matches.

Cast your mind back to Bobby Robson and the lead up to the 1990 World Cup campaign.  He survived many a shout for his head from the media and we only just qualified for the Finals and then only just qualified for the knock out stage.  However, we reached the semi-final before predictably losing 4-3 to the Germans on penalties.  The media then called for Robson to stay on for another 4 years - an offer which he unsurprsingly refused, and later went on to become “Sir” Bobby.  I wonder if he had taken the offer and later been sacked if he would have achieved the same honour.

I would have been happier if Israel had actually drawn and left England needing a win - we are at our most vulnerable it seems when we try and defend and become over cautions.  The good news though is all the injuries we have.  The last time all of the big names were injured and he was forced into playing the B list players we were great!