McClaren's England Bid Faces New Hurdle as Current Favourite Struggles
England's hunt for its next manager has turned into a marathon, with Steve McClaren facing increasing scrutiny after his team's struggles with Middlesbrough. The FA's decision-making panel is said to be reassessing the contenders following every result, with McClaren's candidacy facing a new hurdle after his team's poor showing in the FA Cup. McClaren's future prospects were cast in a negative light by his own captain, Gareth Southgate, who publicly questioned his ability to take over the England job.
Key Takeaways:
- Steve McClaren's England bid faces a new hurdle after his team's struggles with Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.
- McClaren's future prospects were jeopardized by his own captain, Gareth Southgate, who questioned his ability to take over the England job.
- Southgate claimed that the senior players, as much as the manager, were responsible for turning the tide after a series of heavy defeats.
- McClaren's tactical boldness was seen as a factor in Middlesbrough's success, as his player Stewart Downing excelled in an unfamiliar role.
- The notion that McClaren is a safe pair of hands and lacks passion has not been confirmed, as he showed signs of emotional investment in the match.
- McClaren's candidature has been criticized by influential media commentators, who prefer more charismatic and outspoken candidates.
Statistics:
- McClaren's team, Middlesbrough, were on the receiving end of a 7-0 defeat by Arsenal and a 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa earlier in the season.
- McClaren has more experience as a manager than Marco van Basten and Jrgen Klinsmann, who are guiding the fortunes of some World Cup challengers.
- McClaren's player Stewart Downing made his name as an orthodox left-winger but recently excelled in a central midfield role.
- England's most successful manager of all time, Sir Alf Ramsey, was appointed after a single season at the highest level of club football.
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