He may not have been first choice. He may not have been the popular choice. But I think he is probably the right choice.

Steve McClaren was given England job on Thursday after a tortuous, erratic and disaster-strewn selection process by the Football Association. A process which turned them into the laughing stock of world football.

And although the appointment of the Middlesbrough manager has been met by an overwhelming wave of indifference from the fans, I get the feeling he may just be what the England team needs.

At the very least he is English and that is a huge step in the right direction after five years of Swedish rule.

And although he may not be the most passionate of people at least we should see him jumping up and down on the touchline when things get a little exciting rather than sitting on the bench looking bewildered and disinterested.

Equally important is the fact that he comes highly recommended for his coaching ability. All those who have worked with him, from Sir Alex to Jim Smith to Sven himself, say he has a fantastic football brain and knows the game inside out. (Which probably comes in useful with the way they play under Sven…)

In his press conference on Thursday, McClaren came across as being a genuine and honest man who will do his best for his country. Again, he didn’t look like the most emotional of people but he did look passionate about his new job.

The only real drawback I can see to this appointment is that Steve will be an integral part of this summer’s coaching team and, should England have a disastrous tournament, people will start wondering how much of that was his fault.

However, with relatively easy Euro 2008 qualification games coming up after the World Cup, he will at least have a quick chance to get the fans and media back on his side.

In short, I think McClaren is a good choice for England. Possibly not the best man for the job, but certainly a man who will do the best he can and do it with pride.

And that will make a beautiful change.

Runners-up

As last weekends of the season go, this one is pretty dull. Just about everything that matters has already been decided – relegation, UEFA cup, title.

There is the small issue of who will finish runners-up but, with Liverpool and Manchester United already assured of Champions League football, that is really only about who avoids the qualification stage. Nothing to get too excited about.

In fact the only issue which still needs deciding which is worth getting passionate about is the fourth and final place in the Champions League.

With Spurs one point ahead of Arsenal it is really going down to the wire and the battle is made all the more interesting by the huge rivalry between the two clubs.

Tomorrow Spurs travel to West Ham while Arsenal entertain Wigan in what will be the last ever game at Highbury. Personally, I expect Arsenal to win comfortably against Wigan. They want to give their fans an afternoon to remember on what surely will be a hugely emotional occasion.

However, I also expect Spurs to beat a West Ham side who have one eye, if not both, on next week’s FA Cup final.

If that does happen then Spurs will finish fourth and claim that final big European spot unless, of course, Arsenal beat Barcelona in this year’s final.

Strangely it may actually work in Arsenal’s favour if they do finish fifth and give themselves the added incentive of knowing a win in Paris will not only see them lift the trophy but shatter the dreams of their bitterest local rivals.

At least this fourth place battle gives us something to get excited about tomorrow. Otherwise we might have had no excuses to watch the football.

Italia 90

And now, uncharacteristically, here is a small plug to finish with.

Everybody over the age of 30, and a few under as well, should remember Italia 90. One of the best World Cups of our generation I think it is fair to say.

And for England fans it was the start of our now recurring nightmare of losing on penalties in major tournaments – 4-3 to West Germany if you recall.

Well now all you heartbroken England fans have the chance to relive that tragic moment if you so wish by going to the Manoel Theatre tonight or tomorrow to watch ‘An Evening with Gary Lineker’ a particularly funny comedy which tells the tale of that fateful night.

As I said, I wouldn’t normally plug anything in this column. But being sports related and seeing as I am directing the production, I thought I would just this once.

So see you there. And don’t cry too much when Waddle misses…

Contact James on: [email protected]