Steven McClaren is a Genius, or Hadn’t You Heard?

Criticized virtually non-stop since being appointed England coach last February, Steve McClaren is suddenly the toast of the nation, thanks to two fantastic performances and the full six points this week against Israel and Russia, a pair of very highly rated sides.

Not necessarily one for going out on a limb, McClaren has been forced by injuries to do odd things for this round of qualifiers. Things like, say, starting Emile Heskey for two games in a row and, even more shockingly, watching him play like … well, like someone not named Emile Heskey, working smoothly with Michael Owen (Michael Owen, healthy! Who would have thought?) and setting up goals like like it’s his job, or something.

So, once Wayne Rooney’s bones knit and McClaren actually has to make a choice, his life will inevitably commence sucking again: If he sits Heskey and uses Rooney and England don’t thrash Russia again, he’s a fool for breaking up an effective team; if he sticks with Heskey and the result is the same, he’s a moron for not using the more talented and much burlier Rooney.

I hope McClaren’s got Roberto Donadoni’s number on speed dial, because there’s a good chance he’s going to need a fellow whipping boy’s shoulder to cry on in the next month or so.

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Category: Europe, World Football