Failure would spark a crisis, says hopeful Hoddle

Former England boss Glenn Hoddle has not given up hope of them reaching Euro 2008 but admits the country would be in “crisis” should they fail to qualify.

Last month’s defeat to Russia means Steve McClaren’s side must now rely on Israel taking points off Guus Hiddink’s men tomorrow, or Macedonia defeating Croatia, to keep their hopes of reaching Austria and Switzerland next year alive.

England would then have to defeat Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday to ensure their place in the finals – or otherwise face up to the gloomy prospect of a first absence from a major competition since the World Cup in 1994.

“It’s always a crisis if England don’t qualify but let’s hope they can. We’re not out of it at the moment,” said Hoddle, at Old Trafford last night for his official induction into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame.

“We’ve scraped in through the back door before and no doubt we’ll do it again.”

Having courted controversy on numerous occasions during his spell as England manager between 1996-99, the 50-year-old understands the trials and tribulations faced by McClaren, whose job will come under further scrutiny should results fail to go the country’s way this weekend.

And he admits he has some sympathy for the under-fire former Middlesbrough manager.

“For some reason, it’s become a very difficult job,” said Hoddle, who guided England into the second round of the World Cup in 1998 before they were beaten on penalties by Argentina.

“(On) the football side of things, it’s the best job in the world – that’s only 50% of it, the other 50% is very difficult.

“I feel a little bit for Steve because it’s hard enough at the best of times but to be relying on other results as well is very difficult.

“Israel can easily get a draw against Russia at home then we are back in the driving seat and hopefully we can get a good result against Croatia.”

The Football Association’s decision to arrange tonight’s friendly in Austria just days before the potentially crucial Group E meeting with Slaven Bilic’s side has come under some scrutiny of late.

But Hoddle believes a victory could be just the confidence boost required should Wednesday’s clash become make or break.

“They’ve got to get their heads down and put in a good performance on Friday night and make sure that’s a positive result,” he said.

“I think Steve and his staff have looked at the Austria match thinking we might as well use that period of time. Otherwise it’s a long time to prepare for such a big game to have no focus.

“It would gave been too long a time to hang about waiting around for what can potentially be such a massive game.”

And the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager believes McClaren’s side would be among the major contenders to claim Greece’s European crown should they complete their great escape.

“As the rugby guys will tell you, you haven’t got to go into the tournament in top form, you’ve just got to peak at the right time,” Hoddle added.

“We’ve got to get there first and fingers crossed the results go Steve’s way and the players’ way we can sneak through the back door.”