Bilic slams arrogant England
Bilic belives McClaren's problems came at the start of their campaign
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Published by Gibson Square, out November 15th, 204 pages, £12. |  |
Saturday, 17, Nov 2007 10:28
Croatia manager Slaven Bilic says England's over-confident approach to their qualifying group can be blamed for their current predicament.
England's hopes of qualifying fro Euro 2008 are currently in the hands of Israel, who the Three Lions must hope can get at least a point in their game against Russia, to stand a chance of qualifying for next summer's tournament.
However, Bilic says England's troubles began when they underestimated some of their opponents during the start of the qualifying matches.
Steve McClaren's men drew 1-1 with Macedonia at Wembley and also lost 2-0 away to Croatia before falling 2-1 away in Russia last month.
The former Everton defender told the Sun newspaper: "Maybe your approach was just a bit too self-confident. It is not easy to come to Croatia and to get something from a game.
"It's not easy to play in Russia or easy to play Macedonia. And it's very difficult to play in Tel Aviv. So maybe England were expecting to cruise the group but it's a very difficult group."
Croatia still need one more point to solidify their place in the tournament next summer but Bilic's men are likely to secure that when they face Macedonia today.
Even if England get the result they need between Israel and Russia today the Balkan country could still thwart their chances of qualifying at Wembley on Wednesday.
But Bilic believes McClaren should be given more time to build the side and should not be sacked if England fail to qualify for the European Championships.
Bilic added: "It's not Steve McClaren's fault. I really feel for him."