There are so many questions to ask this morning after the extraordinary events at Wembley last night. But let us for one moment forget all the sub issues such as finding a new manager, new players or a foreign quota. Let us simply ask the question why England are not going to be participating at Euro 2008.

It is going to be very strange but with hindsight, many of us will admit that they did not deserve to go through. You do not concede goals at home - one is acceptable (just) but three? And on English territory? Where is the pride in that?

Also, Croatia and Russia have played the most attractive football during this whole campaign. They have had creativity in truckloads and have worked to their strengths - attacking. England, meanwhile, still believe in the myth that defending a lead or goal leads to victory. It doesn't. In modern football, the only way to effectively defend is to attack.

'England still believe in the myth that defending a lead or goal leads to victory. It doesn't. In modern football, the only way to effectively defend is to attack'


England became very defensive last night when they clawed their way back into the match and Croatia, who are more technically astute and have an excellent team chemistry, must have thought Christmas had come early.

So what to do? The team does not work well together, while the now-departed manager was too weak and displaced players who are actually good, i.e David Beckham. The FA should have got rid of Steve McClaren when they saw his tactics against Croatia in Zagreb.

Following McClaren's departure, an authoritarian figure must be brought in to add discipline, maybe Jose Mourinho, Felipe Scolari or Marcelo Lippi. Or perhaps even Sam Allardyce. Secondly, wasters such as Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Bridge should be dropped until they prove they are worthy of the England shirt. Finally, Barwick should resign as he appointed McClaren - it is his administration that has failed the English.

Of course, this is all wishful thinking and it will never happen. At this moment in time, the grim fact that England will have an empty summer has not settled in our minds. Nothing will happen as we have been in the same position before - most recently after the 2006 World Cup, where we appointed Sven-Goran Eriksson's second in command. McClaren was sure to bring a new way of thinking, wasn't he?

It is often said that the greatest success stories of the football world are built upon past failures, as it is the only way to learn. The bitter pill of truth motivates you to better yourself. An example is when the French failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1994. A realisation set in, hard work was implemented and as a result, pride was restored in 1998 and 2000 with victories in the World Cup and the European Championships.

A recent example is the rise of Arsenal, who have suffered for the past two years but are now fulfilling their potential. The Catholics are correct when they say that through suffering comes celebration. But alas, this can only occur with hard work behind the scenes as well as on the pitch.

My Website - www.samir-brandao.blogspot.com