Pressure builds on McClaren

With England's ability to qualify for the finals of Euro 2008 hanging by a thread as they move into the key stages of the process, William Hill have opened a book on when Steve McClaren will cease to be England boss - and offer 40/1 that he steps down before midnight this Saturday, when England play Israel. The manager who has this week again stated his intention to remain in the role even if England do not qualify for the Euro 2008 championships is 20/1 to go in the period between this Saturday and midnight Wednesday September 12, the day England play Russia. Failing that he is 7/1 to leave between Sept 13 and midnight October 13 when England entertain Estonia; 20/1 between Oct 14 and midnight October 17, the day England play in Russia and 9/2 between Oct 18 and midnight Nov 21, when England take on Croatia. Should he survive McClaren is 33/1 to be out of a job between Jan 1 and midnight June 6, 2008 - the day before Euro 2008 gets underway; 4/1 during Euro 2008, up to midnight June 29, 2008 - and 2/1 at any time after June 30, 2008. England are 4/7 to qualify for the Euro finals and 5/4 not to. "It is impossible to imagine McClaren surviving should England fail to qualify for the finals of Euro 2008," said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe."Defeat to Israel at the weekend, or even a draw, would leave McClaren's football future in serious doubt - and perhaps see him taking the option of walking before being pushed out." If McClaren does exit the role William Hill make Stuart Pearce and Luis 'Big Phil' Scolari 7/1 joint favourites to succeed him as the next permanent England manager/coach. Pearce is currently the under-21 coach while Scolari took the role last year only to sensationally turn down the FA's approach due to 'media pressure'. "Pearce is well placed because of his job with the U21 side, while Scolari was the man who was clearly the first choice for the position when McClaren ended up with it," said Sharpe. Hills also offer 8/1 Sam Allardyce; Martin O'Neill; Arsene Wenger; 10/1 Steve Coppell; Alan Curbishley; 12/1 Marcello Lippi; 16/1 Capello; Mourinho. (Editor's Note: If England perform miserably against Israel, surely McClaren's job will be on the line. Follow the latest England manager betting on William Hill!)