Steve McLaren has Nothing to do With England’s Win
England won against Andorra in their Uefa Euro 2008 qualifier match because of sheer coincidence and not because of Steve’s strategy and tactical formation.
The high flying ego of Steve McLaren always made sure Frank Lampard played alongside Steven Gerrard even when everyone around him is demanding for a change. Both Steven and Frank struggled with the other player having a different playing style; but Steve still went with his plans.
Not this game. Frank Lampard is injured and there is no way Steve McLaren would push Frank to play against Andorra; instead, Steven Gerrard was left with Lennon and Downing which is the same lineup everyone is telling the hard headed Steve McLaren. The forced change in lineup resulted in two goals from Steven Gerrard with Nugent scoring the third goal.
Andorra is ranked 163rd in the world but despite of that, England needed 54 minutes to score their first goal. To top things, Steve McLaren has not yet designed anything to utilize Wayne Rooney.
The win against Andorra doesn’t make a difference in the status of Steve McLaren. Steve still has to go.