I can’t remember who coined the phrase in relation to the England coach’s job but it was an appropriate one. As England commence their campaign to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, Fabio Capello may find that one or two unimpressive qualifying games will bring the honeymoon period to an end and have the tabloids shouting for his head.

Sven Goran Eriksson took England to quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup and of Euro 2004 – only to lose on penalties to Porgugal each time. How small is the margin between hero and zero! Sven is not the first England head coach or manager to come under pressure. Remember the heading ‘Swedes 2 Turnips 1’ when Graham Taylor’s England lost to Sweden and the Taylor’s face?

When Glenn Hoddle arguably became the first person in England to lose his job over his beliefs, it was as if people were sitting in ambush, waiting their opportunity to sack him. Being a World Cup winner in 1966 did not save Alf Ramsay’s job four years later. When Kevin Keegan resigned after the pre 2002 defeat by Germany, the pressure was written all over his face.

Now we all have our opinions about whether England should play 4-5-1 or 4-4-2 about the diamond or the Christmas tree and whether or not Stevie Gerrard and Frank Lampard can play together. The only difference is that we have the opinions without the responsibility!

It is sadly a fact of life that if you are the England head coach, not only will you be vilified in the tabloids but your private life will be fair game for the media. It can be a lonely existence. OK there is a pretty good salary but surely a human being is also entitled to be treated with dignity.

Does the Bible have anything to say about managing the England team? Well not directly but there are principles that we can apply. In Romans 13 Paul tells us to respect those in authority. While Paul is really referring to political powers – not the head coach of the Isthmian Games team, there is an application. We should respect the authorities in our sports. Jesus’ command to love our neighbour as ourself is also relevant. That would seem to rule out hurling abuse at them.

We should pray for Fabio and Martin Johnson, Seb Coe, Peter Moores etc. Are you praying regularly for those in authority in your sport? Drop them a note of appreciation and support.