McClaren Better Than Capello – Top England Journalist

McClaren had an infamously disastrous 16 month spell in charge of England, where he failed to qualify the country for Euro 2008 after finishing third in their qualifying group behind Croatia and Russia.The former Middlesbrough tactician was lambasted by most for being way out of his depth, and is considered by many as one of the worst managers the English national team have ever had.His successor in the job was coaching legend Fabio Capello, who has won trophies galore during his illustrious career, including seven Italian titles (two renounced), two Spanish championships, a Champions League, and a host of other prizes.However, the start to his England reign has been a little rocky, and he was heavily criticised for the team’s dismal 2-2 friendly draw against the Czech Republic at Wembley on Wednesday.“This was a calamitous performance by Capello,” blasted Patrick Barclay, who is the highly respected football correspondent of the Sunday Telegraph.“I’ve never seen an England team worst set-up. They were a complete shambles. I’ve never seen an England team so easy to counter-attack. It was a total mess.“The problem with Capello is that he doesn’t understand English footballing culture and I think this was the biggest problem with Sven-Goran Eriksson."“I think it was madness to get rid of McClaren," Barclay continued on Sky Sports' Sunday Supplement."With McClaren there were some much better performances when they were winning all the home games 3-0. I’m not saying McClaren is the best manager of all time, all I’m saying is that he beat Guus Hiddink 4-2 on aggregate. “Capello has now had five friendlies and he has messed every one up. England are now in a worse position than they were when Capello came in.”The English media are already beginning to turn on Capello, even before the 2010 World Cup campaign begins next month against Andorra.