England v Andorra
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
5pm, Saturday 2 September 2006
Old Trafford, Manchester United FC
Live on BBC

To buy tickets online click here
30 August 2006
Steven Gerrard Press Conference

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard gives his thoughts as England prepare for Steve McClaren's first competitive game with Andorra.
30 August 2006
Phil Neville Press Conference

Everton's Phil Neville gives his thoughts as England prepare for Steve McClaren's first competitive game with Andorra.

Laughter is said to be the best medicine, but according to Steven Gerrard it is also the perfect way to foster a great spirit within the England squad.

New Head Coach Steve McClaren is keen to create a close-knit atmosphere akin to a club side as the Three Lions begin their quest to qualify for the 2008 European Championships.

Saturday's game against Andorra, the first of the 12 games that need to be successfully negotiated to reach the tournament proper, will be a deadly serious affair.

But Gerrard has revealed there was time for jokes on Tuesday night as the squad prepared for Andorra at Old Trafford with a trip to a comedy club.

"It was a really good night out and we were all laughing and joking on the bus coming back - and that was the idea of it," the midfielder explained.

"One of the comedians was a Manchester United fan, so he was ribbing me straight away - but I think I handled it quite well.

"The next guy was a Scouser, so a few of the Manchester United players were getting it instead!

"We have had a meeting with Steve McClaren and he has said he wants a club-style atmosphere in the England squad.

"When we meet up he wants us out of our hotel rooms doing different activities because if we can foster a good atmosphere within the squad I think that will show out on the pitch.

"I think that was highlighted in friendly against Greece, but that was just one game and we need to do that on a consistent basis."

The Liverpool midfielder also believes that McClaren will help him individually become an even more dangerous player in the England set-up.

Gerrard is already rated as one of the best players in the world, but he admits that the new Head Coach is not afraid to tell him where he can be better.

"I have had quite a few one-to-one chats with Steve and that is one of the things he is really good at," he added.

"He is an honest guy and he tells you what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong and that's what I need because that's the sort of thing that will improve me.

"Some people have said some very flattering things about me, but I am only 26 and I feel I can still improve for my club and my country."

Meanwhile, Phil Neville says the appointment of Terry Venables as McClaren's Assistant Coach will also be a massive boost for the Three Lions.

Neville is one of the few players to have experienced the Venables reign as England manager back in the mid-1990s and says he has lost absolutely none of his enthusiasm for the game.

"The thing about him is that he is so positive and is always encouraging players to express themselves out on the pitch," the Everton man said.

"There is nothing negative about him and that whole enthusiasm spreads among the camp.

"I was only 19 when he was in charge at Euro96, but he made a really big impression on me and, just like back then, he is encouraging us to play on the front foot."