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.