THIS is something we might not say often: but on this occasion, the FA have got it right.

If, as seems likely, Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren is confirmed as England manager later this week, something good will have emerged out of a selection process that has until now been an embarrassing shambles.

We don't say McClaren is the right man just because he was born in York - although what Yorkie wouldn't feel proud of him if he proves a success in the job?

We say he is the right man because he's made of the right stuff and he has the right experience.

Middlesbrough are a great Northern club - but they are hardly the biggest or richest side in the Premiership.

Despite that, McLaren has already won them their first piece of serious silverware, the 2004 Carling Cup.

And next week he will be leading them out at Eindhoven in pursuit of an even greater prize: the Uefa cup.

For a team without Chelsea's millions, that is some achievement. McClaren clearly knows his stuff.

What's more, as Sven Goran Eriksson's number two, he also knows the England set-up inside out, and has formed a bond with the team's key players.

That should ensure a smooth hand-over in the wake of this summer's - hopefully successful - World Cup campaign.

Who knows? In just over four years time, we might be toasting a World Cup-winning England team led by a former York schoolboy.

Now wouldn't that be something?

Updated: 09:57 Wednesday, May 03, 2006