All right, so there have been a few managers jumping on the bandwagon to defend under-fire manager Steve McClaren. But let’s not beat around the bush here: he’s got some major problems, which include a lack of scoring and the potential to miss the European Championships in Austria.

Let’s push the obvious aside. The FA didn’t select him in the most professional manner. Nor did they keep their interview process secretive, as it should have been. Let’s turn to McClaren’s club form; Middlesbrough weren’t exactly title-challengers. They had some interesting European experience, but in the League they found themselves hovering above the trap door for two years. Winning the Carling Cup remains the sole jewel in McClaren’s crown, and indeed the entire Boro club, but was that enough to have him named replacement for Eriksson?

Looking at his team selection, it’s obvious that he wants to put the best 11 players on the pitch. Unfortunately, as even amateur football managers know, simply throwing the best 11on the pitch won’t guarantee results; indeed, it may not even guarantee goals.

'What’s with Aaron Lennon being played out of position? He’s clearly a right-sided player, so why is he stranded on the left?'

McClaren has proved that he’s intimidated by his players, as demonstrated by his inability to drop either Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard. If he were thinking tactically, he’d analyse his opposition’s likely selection and then figure out which player suits him best. Plain and simple, he’s consistently picked Lampard to play alongside Gerrard based on his goals for Chelsea. Lampard can’t seem to score for England, however, and a dismal World Cup with dismal shooting was cast-iron proof. Drop Lampard, use him as a substitute for a few games, and see what happens. He’s got nothing to lose at this point.

And what’s with Aaron Lennon being played out of position? He’s clearly a right-sided player, so why is he stranded on the left? McClaren is experimenting, that’s clear, but he’s not new to the job. He’s been watching these players for years now. He should have recognised that by stranding the poor lad on the left, he’s not going to give you the same show he does in the Premiership. Give him a game on the right, and see what he can provide.

Defensively, I’m finding myself shouting at the television, ‘Pick your best two central defenders and stick with them!’ Owen Hargreaves' selection has been the lone bright spot. Let him continue to be the clean-up midfielder. Putting Jermain Defoe in the squad was a good decision, too, but give him a few more starts. He’s got the numbers in every other competition when he’s given a starting role, so give him a shot at international level.