The pre-match talk was all about the artificial pitch. The post-match talk was all about blaming England’s defeat on watering of the pitch right before the kick-off. In the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier at Moscow, England was surprisingly doing well, courtesy of a Rooney strike in the 29th minute. But a shocking miss by a poor Gerrard, followed by 2 goals by Russia in a space of 4 minutes in the 2nd half, contributed to England’s downfall.

The 2-1 defeat for England means their Euro 2008 hopes are hanging by a thread and qualification is no longer in their hands. We can safely assume Russia and Croatia will win their other match against Andorra and Macedonia respectively. England have to hope Israel, which is already out of the race, avoid defeat to Russia at home. Even if that happens, England would have a huge task of beating Croatia at the Wembley.

Yet again, England find themselves in the familiar position of struggling to qualify for a major tournament. However, the last time they missed out on one was way back in ‘94 when they missed the World Cup. The English FA is certain to take a beating in terms of finances if the unthinkable happens - Hiddink’s Russia qualifying at the expense of McClaren’s England. The FA is certain to rue its decision to appoint McClaren when they had the chance to get Hiddink or Martin O’Neil.

O’Neil, a manager of the highest caliber and a person with numerous trophies in his time at Celtic was not selected as the FA did not find his presentation impressive. And, Hiddink was supposedly incensed at the FA’s insistence that he make a presentation. On the other hand, a great presentation was all McClaren needed to persuade the FA to appoint him for one of the toughest managerial jobs in football.

For all his lack of pedigree and experience at the highest level, McClaren could have certainly done a good job with the squad at his disposal, IF he had the tactical nous of Hiddink. In spite of the flattering consecutive 3-0 wins, including against Israel and Russia at home, most fans were never confident in a man whose only achievement was a Carling Cup triumph at Boro. And of course, he was as an assistant to Fergie at ManU during the treble-winning season.

In spite of the great players in the England squad, it is really the quality of the manager that reflects the performance of the team. Given the talented players in the England squad, it would have been an easy task to qualify had the team been managed by a Hiddink. A manager, with superior tactical and motivational skills and one who would have the balls to drop under-performing superstars, is needed if England has to win any trophy at the highest level. It will take a miracle if we are to witness England at Euro 2008. Even if they do qualify, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a wily Portugese at the helm for the Euro Championships.