"This past week has shown just how the fortunes of the England team get people’s emotions fired up. England matters and we wouldn’t want – or expect – it any other way.

"With that, of course, on occasions comes criticism. Steve McClaren and his players know that – and so do I.

"Everyone has the right to give their opinion – that’s the beauty of the game – and the England fans, the most dedicated group of supporters in the world, are entitled to air theirs. They spend a lot of money following their team, turn up in huge numbers – everywhere - and offer fantastic vocal support.

"Over the past two matches, they have also loudly expressed their frustration during parts of the games. I buy that as their right – no problem. I do however feel that there is a line to draw between acceptable criticism and personal vilification and abuse. One’s fair, the other isn’t.

"We all want to see a successful England team – that goes without saying. Of course we would like to be top of the group at this stage, but our fate is still in our hands and that’s vitally important. We all want to see England playing in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

"I know how hard Steve and everyone connected to the team is working. He's a strong man and I know from speaking with him just how determined he is to deliver success for England.

"I, like everyone else at The FA, will be doing everything I can to help Steve and the team win their next Euro qualifier in Estonia in June."

Brian Barwick