Back to School for Rooney and McClaren’s Reprieve

by Jgiuffra

Mank Yank's Red Journal & England Rant

The international break grinds on leaving a big hole in the weekend where exciting Premiership fixtures used to reside.

It gives the reporters time to cover all the real, hard hitting stories there is no time for when the big show is in town. (Please note the sarcasm.)

The big story this weekend was Israel doing the dirty on Gus Hiddink’s Russia side to hand the previously doomed England boss a lifeline. The Middle Eastern Europeans undid the Euro 2008 hopefuls with a goal in extra-time that sent them men in red packing with there cup destiny now in the hands of the English—scary.  All England now need to do to qualify is to not lose at Wembley on Wednesday night against the group leaders Croatia, who now have nothing to play for as they are already through to the competition proper. Doesn’t sound like much, but with McClaren at the helm I’m sure the match will cause palpitations in the hearts of many an England supporter.

There has been plenty of speculation in the British press about what team, configuration and set up the much maligned Yorkshire-man should employ to ensure England’s qualification. Some will say experience is the way to go; Gerrard, Lampard, both or neither and the everpresent Beckham question? Others believe we should emulate teams like Argentina and field a young squad with pace, fitness and a true desire to make their mark in the 1st team. Names like Gabriel Agbonlahor, Theo Walcott and Luke Young have been bandied about as possible replacements for some ageing stars of the so-called ‘Golden’ generation who have, to date, won nothing for their country. Is it all down to the manager or could it be the players fault? Strong arguments can be made on both sides. But the fact is that whoever he picks, for whatever reason he picks them, have to do the business. The pressure will be firmly deposited on the shoulders of the boss and if they fail he's gone.  

I sometimes feel sorry for Sven’s former number two for all the crap he has had to put up with since his appointment as England Manager--some admittedly from me. Then I think, no, he has brought it on himself by having no courage of commitment to any squad or formation or any cohesive game-plan. It seems like his decisions are made out of fear; fear of what the press will say if he sits certain players, fear of what his bosses will say if England don’t qualify, and most of all, fear of being found out for the fraud that most think he is. 

I admit it is not his fault the FA offered him the job, but he is the one who accepted it with all that goes with it; the joy, the hatred, the vitriol, the ulcers, and ultimately the bitter disappointment of losing. The injuries haven’t been his fault—except for the on Michael Owen picked on Saturday in the friendly against Austria. What did he need to find out about Owen? The fact Owen scores for England is all he needs to know. 40 goals for his country at the age of 26 says it all. To risk him is such a nothing match was insane. That being said, I am making a stand right now to wipe the slate clean for our troubled gaffer if he can manage to qualify for Austria/Switzerland next summer. No, I mean it, no more negativity from me. I promise….I promise to try anyway.

It has been reported that Wayne Rooney has hired a tutor to help him get his Maths and English GCSE’s —the tests you need to pass in order to go college and eventually to University. It is very rare for a Footballer of any note to go to school much past the age of 14—ex-England and Chelsea midfielder Graeme Le Saux was called the professor because he managed to get 2 A levels (qualifying tests for University in the UK). The fact that Wayne has taken it upon himself to continue his education is a good sign. Hopefully, he will do well and inspire a generation of kids to follow in his footsteps. Well done Wayne!

United under 18s have gotten a home draw in the FA Youth cup against either Bristol Rovers or Brighton & Hove Albion. The Reds have won the trophy 9 times.

The Red Devils have a trip up to Bolton next weekend to face Gary Megson’s men at the Reebok. Look out for a match preview later in the week.

Until then lets all have a good thought for England and formerly Manchester United’s own Steve McClaren.