History has its share of bad jobs. In medieval times, one could be unfortunate enough to be the gong farmer, whose position involved mucking out cesspits. More recently, one could have been conscripted to the Soviet punishment battalions in WWII, in which case one would be expected to clear minefields by running through them. However, neither of these come close (metaphorically speaking) to the gauntlet that the manager of the English team must run. Granted, the job pays well, but one has to endure the brickbats of the media and the public, who expect great things, while dealing with a team that has consistently failed to deliver the goods. And you'll be fired if you can't come up with a good excuse for your failure.
For the past quarter-century, the refrain has been the same. But for the Hand Of God, England would have won 1986. But for Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missing penalties, they would have won 1990. But for Gareth Southgate, they would have won in 1996. But for David Beckham's sending off, they would have won in 1998. But for David Seaman's dodgy goalkeeping, they would have won in 2002. But for Sol Campbell having a goal disallowed, they would have won in 2004. But for penalties, they would have won in 2006. And but for Frank Lampard having a goal disallowed, they would have won in 2010.
