As a football fan who yawned my way through the 2006 World Cup, the next big event on the agenda was to see what the new man McClaren would do in terms of squad selection for the latest friendly, that being Greece on Wednesday.
With the obvious ommisions of Rooney and Owen, I was pleased to see that Bent and Ashton were getting a well deserved and long awaited trial. But throughout the team there are no real surprises with the possible exception of Phil Neville. I’ve never been a great fan, but it is a friendly and I have to say he did make a bigger impression at Everton than I thought he would.
But do you want to know who my favourite pick is? Terry Venables! Despite being born in England, I spent the majority of my life in Australia, having emigrated with my parents at 9 months old and having only returned to the UK at 29. I was witness to what he was able to do with the Australian squad on a part-time basis. What could he do with an England squad that is arguably one of the strongest in years?
‘Tel’ should have McClaren’s role in my opinion, but I am pleased that he will be there to have a whisper in his ear from time to time.
My prediction for the game on Wednesday. 2-1 to England!
