International Week - England Vs Croatia

ghimpheng SG

McClaren tight-lipped on line-up

Beckham and Robinson are waiting to find out if they will start

England v Croatia
Wembley, London
Wednesday 21 November
Kick-off: 2000 GMT

England boss Steve McClaren refused to give any clues about his team selection for the vital Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia on Wednesday.

McClaren must decide whether David Beckham keeps his place and if Paul Robinson replaces Scott Carson in goal.

Beckham started in Austria but could lose out to Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Gareth Barry and Owen Hargreaves are pushing for recalls in what is expected to be a five-man midfield, with Peter Crouch on his own up front.

McClaren said he would tell the players his starting line-up on Tuesday at 1830 GMT.

"I know my team and I have done since the weekend but I am not going to reveal it and I am not giving any clues," he said.

McClaren did say he valued experience - but not necessarily in the starting line-up.

"Experience is key in big games - not just playing but on the bench and around the team," he said.

McClaren has stuck by Spurs keeper Robinson throughout a rocky Euro 2008 campaign, but gave Carson his first start against Austria and could be tempted to keep faith with the 22-year-old.

I would give David Beckham his 99th - and final - cap on the right

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes Robinson should start and Beckham will also get the nod in a five-man midfield.

"He'll pick experienced players, who know what it means not to make a mistake," said the Frenchman.

"I still think he will go with continuity in goal and the whole country must be behind that because Robinson has delivered good games for England.

"I believe in this kind of game when you are manager, you are always tempted to play with a bit of security. That is why he will go with Lampard, Barry, Gerrard and Beckham."

However, BBC Radio 5 Live correspondent Mike Ingham believes McClaren will drop both Beckham and Robinson.

"In the past McClaren has indicated early on that Paul Robinson will be his number one choice. He hasn't done it this time and I have a hunch it will be Carson.

"I think Beckham will be seen as an impact player from the bench.

"England will play 4-5-1 when they're defending and 4-3-3 when they have the ball and Beckham cannot play in a 4-3-3 because he doesn't play high enough up the pitch."

One player who will definitely not feature is John Terry - although the England captain did take part in training on Tuesday.

"There has been a great uplift with the players coming in on Sunday and especially with John Terry coming in and training with the boys," said McClaren.

"It's always important to have all the players together. We'll have John, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney together with us on Wednesday.

"We've started together and we'll finish together."

ghimpheng SG

Croatia boss Slaven Bilic has told BBC Sport his dream is to manage in the Premier League.

Bilic, who is preparing his side to face England at Wembley on Wednesday, has led his country to qualification for Euro 2008.

But he told BBC One's Football Focus: "I dream of being a club manager in the Premier League.

"I'm not thinking about it right now, but if it happens it happens. Of course I would love it."

Interview: Croatia coach Slaven Bilic

As a player, Bilic spent four years in England with West Ham and then Everton.

The 39-year-old took over as Croatia boss in July 2006 after Zlatko Kranjcar failed to get the team into the second round of the World Cup.

Croatia will finish top of Group E if they avoid a 2-0 defeat against England or a loss by more than three goals.

They were unbeaten in this campaign until Saturday's 2-0 defeat in Macedonia.

ghimpheng SG

Peter Crouch believes he can fire England to Euro 2008 as long as David Beckham is given the chance to supply the ammunition.

Steve McClaren must decide whether to keep faith with Beckham in England's decisive showdown against Croatia on Wednesday after the midfielder's lethargic display in Austria last week.

Beckham has hardly played for LA Galaxy this season after a series of injuries and McClaren could opt to bring in Shaun Wright-Phillips for the former Manchester United star.

But Beckham can still present a persuasive case to win his 99th cap.

Despite his lack of match fitness, he delivered the corner that led to Crouch's headed winner in Vienna. And he has plenty of experience of this kind of crunch match, with his last-minute free-kick against Greece that booked England's passage to the 2002 World Cup still a vivid memory.

Crouch is convinced his best chance of scoring the goals on Wednesday that would make him an England hero lie with Beckham.

"He's still one of the best at delivering from set-pieces or out wide, so for someone like me who scores the majority of my goals from crosses he certainly a player to have," Crouch said.

"He's a fantastic player for me. The last time I started for England against Estonia he created a goal for me.

"With someone like him, I just know I need to get into the box because, given half a yard, he is going to whip a cross in. An early cross is perfect for me and David always provides that."

Injuries to Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney have left Crouch to shoulder England's attacking responsibilities. It is a challenge he is relishing.

After several years as a figure of fun in the English game, the giant forward's record of 13 goals in 23 internationals has earned him respect but now he wants to be the main man.

"It's exciting for the players who are picked on Wednesday," he said. "They will have a huge chance to be a hero and put England through to the tournament.

"It's something you dream of. It would be nice to be remembered for the sort of goals that Michael Owen scored in the World Cup or David Beckham against Greece.

"Apart from a silly dance there's been a few great moments. But I haven't had a chance to play in a defining match when we can get to the finals. When given the chance I'm sure I'll be capable of doing that."

Under Sven Goran Eriksson England were serial quarter-finalists in major tournaments but, if they do make it to next year's finals in Austria and Switzerland, Crouch has no doubts McClaren's team can win the competition.

"We've got good enough players. It's time to show how good we can be," he said. "We all believe we have the capabilities to win it and there's no reason why we can't."

While Joe Cole hopes to spend next June and July helping England live up to Crouch's boast, the winger is ready to send his Chelsea team-mate Tal Ben Haim for a more low-key holiday.

Cole promised to pay for Israel defender Ben Haim's vacation if his country did England a favour by beating Russia on Saturday.

Ben Haim duly obliged and Cole has lined up a trip to one of England's less glamourous seaside resorts. He said: "Yeah, I've got him a few brochures for Clacton-on-Sea. He'll have a great time.

"Seriously, I'm a man of my word. It started off as a joke, and he'll probably say I don't have to do that, but I'll send him and his wife somewhere nice. I'm sure we can cut a few corners!"

ghimpheng SG

John Terry gave England a boost ahead of their make-or-break Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia when he returned to training with the rest of the squad here on the eve of the match.

The England skipper has been sidelined by a knee injury since mid-October and, because of his lack of match practice, is not expected to play any role in the final match of the qualifying campaign, in which his side require a point to secure their passage to next year's finals.

As well as missing Terry, England will be without fellow central defender Rio Ferdinand on Wednesday because of suspension while strike duo Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney are ruled out by injuries.

With Peter Crouch expected to play as a lone striker, manager Steve McClaren's main selection dilemmas concerned the issues of whether to replace his first-choice goalkeeper Paul Robinson with the in-form Scott Carson and whether to retain David Beckham in the starting line-up.

Beckham looked off the pace in Friday night's friendly win in Vienna but it was his ability with a dead ball that allowed Crouch to head the winner from a corner and the 32-year-old's experience of big-pressure matches could ensure he keeps his place at the expense of Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Fit-again Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves is expected to return to the side to provide a shield for a central defence in which the inexperienced Joleon Lescott is set to partner Sol Campbell.

ghimpheng SG

El Tel: England won't play for a point

England assistant coach Terry Venables has warned against the perils of playing for a draw.

Steve McClaren's men need only a point against Croatia at Wembley tomorrow night to qualify for Euro 2008.

But his right-hand man, and former England boss Venables, says they will aim to win.

'We are fortunate to get a chance, we know that, and we have to take it with both hands,' he told The Sun, after Israel's weekend win over Russia handed the advantage back to England.

'As Steve McClaren has said, we have to go out and win the game. Although we only need a draw to go through, I've never believed in playing for one.

'Yes you have to be cautious at times but if you play for a draw it can breed a negative approach. It's better to take the game to the opposition and keep them on the back foot.

'You might only end up with a draw - which will be okay in our case - but that is better than trying to hang on to what you started with.'

ghimpheng SG

Tottenham's Robinson poor training shocks McClaren

A disappointing England training session yesterday by Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson has all but made up the mind of manager Steve McClaren ahead of their Euro2008 clash with Croatia.

The Times says McClaren is giving serious consideration to handing a competitive debut to Aston Villa's Scott Carson in tomorrow's crucial European Championship qualifying match against Croatia at Wembley and, even if Robinson keeps his place, it may prove to be only a stay of execution as first-choice goalkeeper.

Although he has kept clean sheets in all but two of England's 11 qualifying matches, Robinson's form has failed to inspire confidence and, after an erratic display at London Colney, the Tottenham Hotspur player's position is under serious threat

ghimpheng SG

Joe Cole has insisted England will not attempt to settle for the draw against Croatia which will clinch their place in the Euro 2008 finals.

Chelsea midfielder Cole knows Croatia are dangerous opponents as they can afford to relax after having already secured their place in next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Cole has called on Steve McClaren's side to play a high-tempo game in order to see off Croatia.

Cole said: "It's been an up and down kind of qualification campaign but in the last three games at Wembley we've won 3-0 against Russia, Israel and Estonia and they were all really good performances.

"You can't win 3-0 every game, but we need to keep that level of performance. This season, carrying on from the back end of last season's games with Brazil and Estonia, we've found a style of play that has suited us.

"There's a belief there. Apart from 10 minutes in Russia, when we didn't play well and conceded two goals, we've performed for the last 10 games. We want to keep that going against Croatia.

"We might need only a draw but I think we'll go out to attack the game. Whether we play 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or 4-5-1, the aim will be to go out with good intentions to win this game.

"It's a dangerous, dangerous game because Croatia have got nothing to play for. That fact could be an advantage or disadvantage. It could go either way.

"Their players are very good technically and will want to come and express themselves at Wembley.

"We've got the game of our lives here so we do have to play well. This isn't a game where we can go in and think we can sneak it and not play well.

"Each and every one of us has to turn in seven or eight out of 10 performances at least. We have to get in their faces.

"Everyone will have a few butterflies but you have to put that to the back of your mind and concentrate on the the job at hand which is getting a result."

Cole also revealed he owes Chelsea team-mate Tal Ben-Haim a free holiday after promising to pay for a holiday for him if Israel defeated Russia.

He quipped: "I've got him a few brochures for Clacton-on-Sea. He'll have a great time! Seriously, I'm a man of my word. It started off as a joke, and he'll probably say I don't have to do that.

"But I'll send him and his wife somewhere nice. I'm sure we can cut a few corners!"

ghimpheng SG

Frank Lampard believes he is currently playing at the peak of his powers as he looks to help guide England to Euro 2008.

The Chelsea midfielder has not always enjoyed the best of relations with England supporters, while he found himself usurped from Steve McClaren's midfield in favour of Gareth Barry for the qualifiers with Russia, Israel and Estonia.

But in recent weeks Lampard has enjoyed some immaculate form and returned to England's starting XI for Friday's win over Austria.

McClaren could well opt to use Lampard alongside Steven Gerrard for Wednesday's crucial clash with Croatia and the Chelsea man feels he would justify his selection.

In-form
"I hear the manager has said I am in some of the best form of my career - and I would agree with that. I feel on top of my game.

"In the period between the England game with Russia and the one in Austria, over the last four or five weeks, I have felt very strong.

"Maybe what has contributed is that I came back very fresh from my time off because of injury.

"I had several frustrating weeks on the side-lines and came back when I was fit and available raring to go. I feel fresh because of that and sharp."

Lampard went on to discuss how the feel-good factor is prevalent in the camp, now England's qualification hopes are back in their own hands.

Fantastic feeling

"Now things are back into our hands in terms of qualifying there is a fantastic feeling in the squad," he concluded.

"Since I've been involved in the squad when there's been a big game on which qualification hinges, like in Turkey a few years ago, we've managed to get the right result.

"We've performed better in the bigger games, especially the ones to qualify for major championships and we can do it again against Croatia.

"We can beat Croatia. We know we have got the ability in the team to do it."

ultimatePlG SG

lets all laugh at england. they've blown it, big time. doesnt help by the fact that they have a numpty for a manager though. Laughing

@->-- SG

ENGLAND Lossed 2-3

A 2nd grade performance from a second rate manager. mc claren was a small time manager who shameless took this job, of cos with the foolishish of the english FA to appoint him, takes two hands to clap,
Sack MC claren and those behind FA, those hiding after mc claren's sacking

one word- NOOB SHIT

Hello Kitty SG

y u here so lonely de?

y dun join the rest?

798 SG

i wonder wat was the intention of mcclown for letting lampard take the penalty.

what if lampard miss? Twisted Evil u bet the whole england will point fault at lampard, even though lampard is not entire responsible for england failure.

ghimpheng SG

not interested in a pro man u / anti chelsea all football and epl

thanks

nanren4ever SG

Lampard is already so hated by England fans, that would have given them more ammo to hate him. Just like Stuart Pearce, Gareth Southgate, David Beckham in the past, England always need to have a scapgoat to blame for their own shortcomings. Although this time, its plain obvious its the coach that is out of his depth, rather than the players' lack of effort.

stellazio SG

Mclown was a mistake in the first place. They just had to go for a local after Sven when its obvious that Harry Redknapp is the best local English lad out there.

798 SG

managing a team like england is really pain in the ass.

the coach has to apply a formation dat suit the players, whilst other team the players will suit the coach's style by adapting the formation.

it's really amaze dat croatia players manage to break a midfield dat consist of 5 players, wtf is england players thinking?

ronaldog SG

Midfield? wat midfield?? Other than Lampard, other 4 midfielders all vanish to thin air liao!

Croats all just stroll thru England's defence too!

Bridge, Lescott, Richards & dunno who else just stood around watching Carson kena ole. Rolling Eyes

MingFreeman SG

England dun deserve to qualify.

There needs to be a thorough shakeup starting from the FA and the coaching staff. Barwick is a fool who needs to go.

4getmenot SG

when you are watching them play, u dun know if they are playing for the country or just playing for themselves...thats the current problem with current england team.. a coach needs to make the players adapt to his formation and style not the other way round.. Rolling Eyes

ghimpheng SG

Frank Lampard is the man of the match for England for the match against Austria

Heard that he is also the man of the match For England Against Croatia