I WAS so disgusted with England's performance against Germany that I turned off the TV before the final whistle and decided to avoid the news highlights all evening.

The feeling of bitterness running through my blood was enough to give my doctor a heart-attack and so I decided it was time to get a way from it all.

A couple of hours later, a few beers later, and my mind was beginning to see things in a brighter light.

OK, so we have lost against the Germans, so what? We lost against Italy and still qualified. It's not a huge problem, King Kev will still pull it out of the bag.

So, imagine my shock and complete displeasure when I turn on the Ceefax at midnight to see that 'wor Kev had bottled it.

Bloody typical of a man who gives off all this blarney about how players need to show heart and dedication to the English cause.

What kind of example did he show on Saturday when he scuttled out of a crumbling Wembley after only one match of the new World Cup campaign.

It was nothing short of a disgrace.

If Kevin Keegan had any doubts about his ability as manager of England then he should have made them clear before the campaign for Korea.

You are not telling me that he suddenly felt these feelings of insecurity while sitting in the rain watching his side fall 1-0 to Germany.

No, of course not. For him to walk out on what is the best job in football, he must have been feeling this low for some time.

That in mind, how on earth did he think that he could inspire our players to victory against a side as strong in mental will-power as Germany.

The moment he had a thought that he was not up to scratch Keegan should have stuck up his hands and walked away.

That moment should have been after Euro 2000.

At least then he would have given his successor enough time to get his methods, players and philosophies into place.

Quite who that replacement will be is another matter.

There are a number of factors to look at:

n Who wants it?

Are they English?

Are they available?

Is their name Terry Venables?

El Tel is the only man England can turn to. Unless Mr Crozier decides to take on the wrath of England and appoint a foreign import.

Venables must be given the chance and he must be joined by Peter Taylor as his part-time assistant. At least then we will not be caught out again.

Opportunities are limited for the FA. However, they must act quickly if last night's showing at Finland was anything to go by.