Football in crisis

The only good thing about England's disast rous, humiliating and embarrassing Euro 2008 campaign is that it's finally over.

Steve McClaren's reign, which was pitiful, has left England's national sport bleeding in the gutter.

My abiding memory of McClaren is that of an inept fool who looked like Mary Poppins, tripping along the touchline with that damn umbrella, searching for inspiration in a cup of cappuccino.

I might add, that's the only cup he will ever win at Wembley.

I barely slept a wink on Wednesday night after our dismal defeat against Croatia ensured we failed to qualify for the European Championship finals. I was stunned by the events at Wembley.

But in the cold light of day we have to acknowledge England are mediocre, egotistical, perennial underachievers.

Where was the passion, commitment and drive from the players? If I had been on the pitch on Wednesday I would have been on my knees with tears of humiliation and disappointment running down my face.

I wouldn't have been able to look myself in the mirror, I would have locked myself in a room and thrown away the key.

I was privileged enough to play for my country for a decade and cherished every moment of it. And I can honestly say in all my time I never played in a team as uncommitted as that.

They should be embarrassed; they should go out en masse and make a public apology. But I won't hold my breath.

The reality is the vast majority walk around with inflated egos and believe they have a divine right to meet with success.

They have even conned the public into believing it and that is why they are burdened with unrealistic expectations of success.

Time and time again we have been spoon-fed crap from managers, players and the FA.

As for the Golden Generation: Are you sure? On the evidence in front of us, this squad must go down as the worst in the history of the national team.

They deserve nothing but castigation. There is no hiding place for them now and any flak they get is warranted.

As for McClaren claiming to be a better manager for the experience, please. What, he's better for being a monumental failure and a laughing stock? It's hard to find any positives from this dire mess but perhaps the fact we have crashed to the bottom of the barrel will finally alleviate unrealistic expectations and bring it home to people that we are a nation more ordinary than mighty.

That said, I'm not one for revolutions and I don't believe that is the answer.

The crucial thing now is the appointment of a manager and a process that involves people who are experienced and know what they are looking for.

With all due respect to Brian Barwick and the other farts on the FA board, what the hell do they really know about recruiting a coach who can not only deliver on the pitch but can also deal with the egomaniacs who are currently pulling on the England shirt?

If we are ever to meet with success, it's time proper people were drafted in to make key decisions. By that I mean people like Arsene Wenger, Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alex Ferguson.

While I understand Barwick will seek opinions from an array of people, that doesn't detract from the fact he has the final say and that prospect is as frightening as it is worrying.

Given his past inability to recruit, it scares the hell out of me who the next person is he puts forward.

I accept that the current outlook is very bleak indeed. Aside from the players currently involved, where are the next generation?

Grass-roots football in this country and the standard of coaching is pathetic. We are light years away from matching our continental counterparts.

I accept the FA are attempting to address the problem and realise that process will take some time to come to fruition.

I just hope that when what we all hope is a suitable candidate is found to deal with this shambolic mess, he is an individual with strength and purpose who isn't dictated to by over-rated egotistical players and cash-conscious twits at the FA.

Interview: PAUL SMITH