Wednesday 21 November 2007

Mystic McClaren

Not as daft as we think he is eh? Who could have predicted the results over the weekend - Israel putting one over the Ruskies and Macedonia upsetting everyone's favourite tablecloth wearers, Croatia. Steve McClaren, that's who.

Yep, the man who emerged from his FA interviews with barely a thread in his trouser knees could teach Russell Grant a thing or two about predictions. Sod guessing tonight's team sheet, I'm having a bash at his lottery numbers.

So, what will happen tonight then? My gut feeling - I reckon Croatia will come away with the spoils. Despite sporting a kit more likely to strike fear in the heart of picnic baskets than the opposition, they're no mugs. Bilic is as cooler than a monkey's nuts in an ice age, plus there's the all important fact - they've already qualified. Walk in the park for them. Nothing to play for, and thanks to the back-page hype they can't wait to stuff us.

In contrast, I've just seen Gerrard's interview on Sky Sports News. Paula Radcliff's infamous televised convenience break has nothing on this - he's shitting it! If this is the captain, what chance have we got?

Early reports suggest a back-four of Richards, Campbell, Lescott and Bridge. I'd put a mortgage on Richards having a blinder, but the other 3? I fancy Kranjcar and Eduardo to run rings round that lot.

If Gerrard's worried about playing in front of that defence, I wouldn't dust off your passports for 2008 just yet...

Prediction: England 0, Croatia 1

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