Villains: Steve McClaren and England

Well, could you single out an individual to point the finger at?

With sorry underachievement by 'world class' players such as Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Robinson, the hall of shame is a vast one.

Steve McClaren was sacked for failing to qualifying for Euro 2008 after his star-studded troops shoot themselves in the foot in the final game against Croatia.

While the damage had been done long before in a poor campaign, the pathetic image of a silent McClaren nestled under a brolly on the Wembley touchline, cupping a cappuccino like a latter-day Nero fiddling while Rome burned, will dog him for years.

New boss Fabio Capello has his work cut out motivating a squad of players who sparkle in the Premier League but fall to pieces when wearing the three lions, displaying a lack of confidence, and ability, in crunch games.

Quote of the year - Steve McClaren on his sacking: "It's one of the saddest days of my career. I can understand the decision - I said I would live and die by results and results haven't gone my way. There are no excuses."