Update: Max Clifford has responded to the calls by fans to re-instate Becks. Why it must be asked, is a man who is supposed to purely have a role as a media advisor, holding forth on England selection policy and so many areas outside of his supposed sphere. I've said it before and will say it again, who is really in charge of the England team? Story here.

English fans were chanting this last night, after England lost to Croatia. For more on this View the Sun story. Radio Talkback was also full of England fans asking for David Beckham to be re-included in the England squad! There's also a good write up here.

I felt sorry for Paul Robinson and Gary Neville when the second goal was conceded in such a freak way! However, aside from that I was happy with the result. I have nothing against England or England's players but this result was necessary to expose McClaren and to make people question his tactical skills and his selection policy. Both of which have now been shown to be totally inadequate.

The next Euro 2008 qualifier is scheduled for March 2007, 5 months away. I am still doubtful that Becks will get a recall into the squad, as whilst the last two matches have been a debacle and shown McClaren up, it's not enough for him to lose his job. Although the media will be very critical of him and many of the fans have already begun to call for his head, he will be given further chances having only been in the job a couple of months. Whilst he remains as Manager a recall for Becks will be unlikely as it would be seen as a back down and McClaren will not want to suffer that loss of face.

They say you don't know what you've got till it's gone and last night many members of the media and some of the fans who had not already reached this conclusion following the draw with Macedonia, were reminded of everything David Beckham had done for his country. They remembered the courage and committment he always showed when wearing the shirt. They chanted his name. They should have had the sense to chant it back in August, when Becks, so often the difference between winning and losing for England, was exiled and no truly adequate reason provided as to why. It may have been 10 weeks late but last night David Beckham was remembered with the respect he was due.

Some elements of the media that are not entirely in Mr Clifford's pocket may at last ask for a real footballing reason to be provided for why Beckham has been exiled. I have been amazed to witness how a decison wholly political in nature could be made and then go unquestioned by the media. It was obvious from the media's wide spread praise for McClaren's "brave and decisive action" that they were quite happy about it and so none of the difficult questions were asked. It is almost comical to watch the same media, and even the same columnists perform acrobatic feats of dexterity, distancing themselves from McClaren and lavishing praise upon David Beckham's crossing and dead-ball skills. Skills he possessed in abundance 10 weeks ago. The fact they can do so with a straight-face and believing that they have any credibility left is a fascinating spectacle. If they think for one second they are coming out of this looking any better than McClaren they should think again. They're a joke.

I can't write any more because I have to go and make a quick phone call to Sydney FC, to a bloke by the name of Terry Butcher. I have four little words for Terry. "I told you so".

For David Beckham I have three little words. "England misses you".