Worst 45 Minutes In Living Memory?

Last updated : 30 March 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor




The first half of the match on Wednesday was the worst England performance in living memory!

The fans and the media seem to have made up their minds on the ex-Boro manager, and every e-mail we have received on the subject have been unanimus ... he MUST go!

However, Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick has admitted criticism comes with the territory as England boss, but it has gone over the top with McClaren.

Barwick stepped in on Thursday to defend coach Steve McClaren in the wake of the unprecedented levels of abuse he suffered during Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona.

Barwick: "England matters, and we wouldn't want - or expect - it any other way. With that, of course, on occasions comes criticism. Steve McClaren and his players know that - and so do I. Everyone has the right to give their opinion - that is the beauty of the game - and the England fans, the most dedicated group of supporters in the world, are entitled to air theirs.

"Over the past two matches, they have also loudly expressed their frustration during parts of the games. I buy that as their right - no problem.
"I do however feel that there is a line to draw between acceptable criticism and personal vilification and abuse. One is fair, the other is not.

"We all want to see a successful England team - that goes without saying.
Of course we would like to be top of the group at this stage, but our fate is still in our hands and that is vitally important. I know how hard Steve and everyone connected to the team is working.

"He is a strong man and I know from speaking with him just how determined he is to deliver success for England. I, like everyone else at the FA, will be doing everything I can to help Steve and the team win their next Euro qualifier in Estonia in June."