Can I please stick up for Steve McClaren?

Question

Steve McClaren has been heavily criticised for using a 3-5-2 formation. Yes, England were poor last night, BUT...

Let's look at England's track record: We play the system we're most comfortable with in qualifying, beating lots of mediocre teams and qualify for the finals comfortably. Then we come unstuck at the finals when we come up against the decent teams. One of the reasons for this (and one of the main criticisms of Sven) is that we have been too predictable. We only knew one way to play so there were no surprises for the opposition. We became a one-trick pony and easy to beat.

Seeing this, Steve McClaren tries a system that the players are less familiar with. Doing so means that we will inevitably drop a few points in qualifying but we'll hopefully be more versatile at the finals because of it.

Granted, the defence needs more practice, but the FORWARDS would not go FORWARD. That is inexcusable and the blame there must lie with the players.

For those who would argue that 3-5-2 has been abandoned by the stronger teams, I remember that 4-4-2 was once abandoned too. These things seem to me to go in cycles. Most systems can work if used properly.

As for 4-4-2 being the best formation to use, it hasn't exactly done England any favours recently, has it?

Why the hell shouldn't the manager experiment with new systems?

Dingo-bob, you make a valid point, but to play devils advocate, what would it have taught us - that 3-5-2 works because we beat Andorra? The players might well have learned some valuable lessons about the system last night. I don't think it's time to abandon the system (or faith in the manager) because of 1 bad game.

(Have to concede though that I'd have played that system vs Andorra and Macedonia too to give them more practice before the tougher game though)

Answer 1

Agreed. England had become too predictable, using dinosaur formations and negative tactics which completely underwhelmed the team and the players. You are right; even though it didn't work last night, we had to try something different. Steve McClaren has correctly identified the need for a plan B and C at the finals of major tournaments.

I think the defeat also lay in the attitude of the players. Croatia won because they played with fire, fight and invention. They were right into us from the first whistle. They made many more runs, created more chances, and made more tackles. They could also keep possession much better than we could. They forced us back, meaning that we spent most of the game making back passes - one of which eventually cost us.

Croatia played the way you should if you want to win difficult games likes these. They were full of life, whereas England were static and didn't seem to know how to create anything. We definitely missed the flair of Joe Cole, the drive of Gerrard and Hargreaves, the crossing and passing of Beckham, and the pace and nippiness in the penalty area of Michael Owen.

Answer 2

What a breath of fresh air it is to see someone sticking up for McLaren, ok his tactics didnt work last night, even he admitted that, but its good that he had the courage to try something different, just wish he did it in a friendly instead. I know he could maybe have done it against Andorra but then we might only have won 1 - 0 or 2 - 0 and it may come down to goal difference, its a very close table. I dont think you can discount Russia, they have a really good coach in Hiddiink. I also dont want to see people having a go at Robinson, they should look at all the great saves he pulled off last night. Chances are when a goallie makes a mistake, it gets punished in the worst possible way (can you really call that a mistake though) more like bad groundsman.

Answer 3

It takes years for a national team to gel together. Friendly matches are made to try new tactics or systems, not important qualification games. England were scared of Croatia before stating the game due to the 3-5-2 formation. During the match, the situation didn't improve due to the players not knowing what to do as nobody took charge of the creation (Lampard's role). Strikers never made a run towards goal. The 3 centre back tried... a bit, but were to close to each other due to the unfamiliar system.

Keep the 4-4-2, teach discipline to the players who think they can do what they want on the pitch. It's about team work and that's what England need... a team.

Answer 4

Yea I see what you are saying, and especially when England has a lot of new and young guys playing up front and in the midfield. It's a changign year for the team. New coach, new players, new formation. It's going to take them some time to get into the swing of playing in a 3-5-2, so we can't put them down about that. And like you said, once they get this formation down, it will make the squad a more versatile and hopefully better one.

Edit: AND, not to mention they've got like 4 of their top guys out on injury.

Answer 5

Thanks it`s nice to see someone else who has not given up on Steve McClaren. I was as disappointed as anyone else when we lost against Croatia, but I think it would be unfair to blame only one person, plus we have at least three GOOD player`s out injured at the moment. Not sure if they will be fit in time for the next game, but he can if needed use some of the under 21s team, they had a good game.

Answer 6

Bilic the Croatian manager said, forget about systems, just play as a team; systems are finished it's time to move on. To be fair Croatia were not that good; they get one looping header sailing into goal (even though five England defenders were standing by, looking around absent minded while admiring their bank balances) and one fluky own goal. So what does that say for England ? Answer, abysmal.

Answer 7

sven was a very poor manager he was not just predictable he made bad desicions dint make the best of the squad he has ,before he was named manager i didnt want maclaren in just dont think he was and is the best man for the job and id definately go to 4-4-2 formation and start from there its the formation all the players are more used to,definately more factors to the poor form not just mac pressure the world cup and alot of them not playing with any heart if they went out there and gave it all and with a little heart i might have a little more respect even if they lost ,gotta say im losing interst media doesnt help they just build players up then knock them down its just poor they slagged off hargreaves didnt know anything about him then he becomes apparently one of our best players.anyway thats enough moaning laterz

Answer 8

I'm with you I think the players are at fault not one showed any passion determination or grit. They are a bunch of spoilt gits. Bet Beckham was sitting at home laughing last night though.

Answer 9

You DON'T practice a new system in your most difficult game!!!!

If he wanted to practice, why didn't he practice against Andorra or Macedonia instead of away to Croatia????

Answer 10

McClaren is cool havent laughed so much in ages.