I suppose in an adaptation of an old joke, visiting the same opposition on successive Saturdays at least affords us the opportunity to apologise on the second visit.

Sixfields, like so many new grounds is constructed on a tacky out of town complex, although this one has matured somewhat over the years, now offering 4 or 5 outlets that may or may not condescend to vacuum your wallet. They are pretty much what you expect in these type of complexes.

Starting with the least welcoming, The magic Tower is home fans only, The Sixfields Tavern (Hungry Horace chain) is no away colours, Old Orleans is a themed American diner that offers a menu more suited to the deep south rather than the south midlands, while there is a sports bar in the bowling alley – ala Barnsley – that welcomes away fans. Apparently a TGI Friday’s has also sprung up opposite the ground if outsized burgers served by outsized waitresses flops your pre-match mop.

At the distant town-centre fans arriving by train can sample real-ale at The Black Lion which is apparently haunted, and The Fish Inn in the centre of town offers a similarly relaxed and traditional atmosphere.

The King Billy on Commercial Street comes highly recommended for those who like rock-music, and like most pubs of this ilk the welcome extends beyond hairy, leather-clad fat people.

Also heading from the station towards the ground the Irish themed Thomas O’Beckett, and the Foundryman’s Arms are geared up for football fans, albeit those who like odd-shaped balls. This could add an interesting twist to the pre-match pint as the rugby team are at home both Saturday’s we are in town!!

Richard Money’s first (hopefully) signing today is Stoke midfielder Peter Sweeney.

Sweeney (born 29 September 1984 in Glasgow) started his career at Millwall where he made his debut in 2002 and played a major role in the Lions’ route to the final of the FA Cup and started against Manchester United.

In 2004 Sweeney signed for Stoke City for £250,000 (the fee having been set by the Tribunal), but in his first match against Newcastle Town he got injured early into the game and was out for 3 months

Sweeney has been capped for Scotland at Under-21 level and is a left footed winger, normally.

He went on loan to Yeovil at the end of last season, after having had a public row with Tony Pulis. He had objected to being substituted for the Potters after himself coming on as a sub.

Having failed to do the honourable thing after last night’s debacle, Steve McClaren will, presumably, be departing from the England job after this morning’s FA Board meeting. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely they’ll sack Barwick and themselves as well. However, despite the bizarre team selection, tactics and the lack of activity with the subs when all was going wrong, don’t let’s forget the players as well.

Carson. Yes, he should never have been thrown in at the deep end, but how can you trust a ‘keeper who makes the most basic of mistakes with his first touch of the ball. Even his “wonder save” in the second half from yet another free header he knew nothing about as it hit him on the shoulder.

Richards. People keep telling me what a great prospect he is. Prospect is the word, as he was awful last night, continually being caught yards and yards out of position.

Bridge. Possibly the worst International performance I’ve ever seen from a full back.

Campbell and Lescott. Past it and not good enough respectively. Lost their men time and time again.

Wright Phillips. In because of his ability to “go past a man”. I’m still waiting for him to beat that full back. When he did get an opening, his crossing was woeful and the one good chance that fell to him, he wasted by taking an extra touch.

Barry. His main job was to cover the back four. At half time, we were 0 - 2 down and it could have been a lot worse. Say no more.

Cole. Did OK, when he got the ball, which was rare, due mainly to:

Gerrard and Lampard. I’ve got difficulties finding words to describe just how poor these two were on the night. Two positive contributions from Lampard (the penalty and the pass for Bent) were just about the only thing either of them did right all night. I know McClown takes some of the blame for not recognising that they can’t play together, but two such supposedly class players to be that bad!?!?

Crouch. Didn’t do a lot wrong on the terrible possession he was given by the midfield. Took his goal beautifully.

Defoe. Who? Did he actually touch the ball? Never have thought he was good enough.

Bent. One touch, which he was unlucky with. Otherwise, see Defoe.

Beckham. Man of the match for me, as he was the only player to produce any quality into the box, despite not getting any real possession from Lampard and Gerrard. Cross of the year for Crouch’s goal. The only one who looked like he cared.

Whatever happens now, there’s got to be a major rebuilding. By the time of the next World Cup, in two and a half years time, there are several players who are just going to be (or on the verge of being) too old: James, Beckham, Neville, Campbell, Lampard (he’ll be over thirty). Whoever takes over should just give Beckham his 100th cap, which he deserves after last night, and then start all over again. The “golden generation” have turned out to be just brass.