Steve McClaren, the England coach under pressure last week, is today being described as "the best England manager ever in the history of England managers" after his team came through the weekend unscathed, and now look likely to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals.
McClaren, dogged by reporters last week clamouring for his dismissal, looked calm as he held a Press conference with FA chief executive Brian Barwick, who told the assembled journalists he was delighted at the England manager's performance over the weekend.
Barwick said:
"We always knew Steve was the man for the job. When things got really tough, he never flinched. He believed in his abilities and those of the team. His mood selection for the Israel game - resigned and powerless - was perfect."
Despite an injury list as long as the queues to return tickets for the Croatia game on Wednesday, McClaren went into the Israel/Russia encounter in a positive frame of mind, and always insisted that he expected England to qualify.
As the big guns of failed to overcome Israel, England now have a chance to progress to the final stages in Austria and Switzerland next year, and, according to Barwick, it's all down to the England supremo.
"Resolute and hopeful in a time of hopelessness" said Barwick, "Just what we needed! He was magnificent! You can keep your Sven Goran Whatsisname - McClaren's our man!"
Steve McClaren will be sacked if England lose to Croatia on Wednesday.
