In recent weeks Steve McClaren has had more column inches in the national press than Chancellor Alistair Darling. However, even the government crisis involving lost documents will not dislodge the main focus of the nation: this evening's crunch game at Wembley.

From the beginning of his tenure, McClaren seems to have found himself in more 'Last Chance Saloons' than Pete Doherty. Yet, inexplicably, he has managed to emerge from the swing doors unscathed due to the odd good performance (3-0 against Russia) or the luckiest of lucky escapes (Israel beating Russia).

Tonight, yet again, he stands in that saloon. Defeat and his P45 form will be flung in his face before he can get to the tunnel; alternatively, victory would ensure him at least eight more months in his job, albeit with the Sword of Damocles still dangling over his head.

'Defeat and McClaren's P45 form will be flung in his face before he can get to the tunnel; alternatively, victory would ensure him at least eight more months in his job, albeit with the Sword of Damocles still dangling over his head'


Ironically, injuries have forced McClaren into making two of his most impressive decisions - the reintroduction of Messrs Gareth Barry and Emile Heskey. Yet the starting line-up for last Friday's Austria game would suggest that it was back to the old 'Safety Steve'. But no! David Beckham and Paul Robinson are dropped to the bench for tonight's crucial qualifier.

The plain fact of the matter is Robinson should not have been dropped for the Croatia match. His form has deteriorated dramatically over the last two years and he should have been out the starting line-up months ago. If McClaren is to go with Scott Carson tonight, it would be a monumental risk. Carson is having a good season with Aston Villa but starting him against Croatia is definitely throwing him in at the deep end.

Naturally people will point to his inexperience at this level as the main concern but this could prove a secondary worry. Due to the absence of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, McClaren will presumably start with Sol Campbell and Joleon Lescott. Against Russia, Lescott was horrendous, admittedly played out of position, but he is still a worry at this level. Alongside him is Campbell, whose nous will be invaluable tonight in an inexperienced backline.

Therefore, if McClaren were to drop Robinson, why not reinstate David James? He has experience and his communication with Campbell would be reassuring to the armchair fans, to say the least. The likes of  Carson are definitely the way forward for England - but they are not quite ready for the present.

The decision to drop Beckham was a simple one but sensationalised due to the personality that surrounds him. In moving to America, Beckham has effectively 'sold out' and despite what anyone says, the flying, lack of decent opposition and his age mean that he will only deteriorate. If England assume a comfortable lead, then Beckham will certainly make a cameo appearance. Following the Croatia match, he will have a friendly encounter pretty much dedicated to him to give him his 100th cap and that will be that. Barring an unlikely transfer back to Europe, that is.

To some extent, I pity McClaren. Undoubtedly he has a vast array of talent at his disposal but accommodating them all is nigh on impossible. Playing a 4-5-1 cum 4-3-3 like tonight is excellent for the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Barry and Joe Cole, yet it means dropping one of Michael Owen or Wayne Rooney.

Alternatively, playing 4-4-2 would allow him to play his front two and players such as Beckham, if you keep him in the equation. Yet it means Lampard misses out as he cannot play effectively in a midfield two. Publicly McClaren may rue injuries and suspensions but injuries to Owen and Rooney mean the midfield will finally be able to shine.

Combine this with England's solid competitive record at Wembley and McClaren should once more emerge into the daylight.