McClaren calls for repeat dose from players, fans

LONDON: England manager Steve McClaren has called for his players to dish up a repeat dose of last month’s back-to-back wins in their upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Russia and Estonia.

After a troubled start to his time in charge of England, McClaren is finally experiencing a sense of unity as England’s Euro 2008 qualifying campaign reaches its climax.

Getting ready: Italian coach Roberto Donadoni (right) fights for the ball with Gennaro Gattuso (left) and Fabio Grosso during their training session in Florence yesterday. Italy are preparing for Saturday’s Euro 2008 Group B match against Georgia. – AFP

Certainly, there were no complaints from the home fans last month as McClaren’s men recorded back-to-back three-goal wins over Israel and major Group E rivals Russia.

Those victories mean England now occupy pole position in their bid to accompany likely table-toppers Croatia into next summer’s Finals.

But McClaren is eager to ensure the momentum is not lost on Saturday when Estonia head to Wembley for a contest which should provide the ideal confidence boost ahead of the trip to Moscow four days later for a re-match with Guus Hiddink’s Russia that will probably determine England’s fate.

“Before the Israel game I called for everyone to push together on behalf of the team,” said McClaren.

“The reaction was amazing and the atmosphere transmitted itself over to the players, so we ended up with a performance everyone wanted.

“Those last two wins have put us in an excellent position. But the job is still to be completed, which is why the fans must realise they have such an important role to play this weekend.”

McClaren has already hinted at changes for Estonia’s visit as he looks to ensure his strongest possible side is available for the Moscow adventure.

Skipper John Terry, central defensive partner Rio Ferdinand and Chelsea duo Joe and Ashley Cole are most at risk given they are a caution away from suspension.

Michael Owen and Frank Lampard both played for their clubs at the weekend and will need to have their fitness assessed before McClaren finalises his line-up.

Yet the former Middlesbrough boss is acutely aware he cannot risk an unexpected slip-up against an Estonia side whose only point – with the exception of a win over Andorra – came against Macedonia, a team England failed to beat on home soil 12 months ago.

“Russia is the make-or-break game for us but sometimes you can be too clever with yourself,” said McClaren.

“You should go into every game respecting your opponents and realising you are never going to get an easy game.

“Ask any of the managers whose teams were playing in Europe this week and they will tell you exactly the same thing.

“They might play clubs they have never heard of, who they think they should beat, and still have difficult games against them. I know that because I have experienced it myself.

“If you go into any game not respecting your opponent or not taking them seriously, you are going to be in trouble.

“Estonia are a tough, organised team who will play with a dogged determination to keep us out.”

McClaren will be without strikers Dean Ashton and Andy Johnson, who miss out with respective knee and ankle problems.

West Ham striker Ashton said: “It’s frustrating but there are plenty of players with the same sort of luck and I’m not going to get too down about it.

“`It is part of the game and one of those things.” – AFP