England v Macedonia
UEFA European Championship Qualifying Group E
5pm, Sat 7 October 2006
Old Trafford, Manchester 		Croatia v England
UEFA European Championship Qualifying Group E
6pm (BST), Wed 11 October 2006
Maksimir, Zagreb
Steve McClaren's England Record - Click here

04 October 2006
VIDEO: England training pre-Macedonia
Steve McClaren puts the Three Lions through their paces as they prepare to take on Macedonia and Croatia.
Peter Crouch is backing Wayne Rooney to rediscover his best form against Macedonia on Saturday and says he would relish the chance to play alongside him in the England attack.

Rooney returns to the squad after missing Steve McClaren's opening three matches through injury and suspension.

The prolific forward has yet to open his account for Manchester United this season, but is certain to win his place back in the starting line-up for the Three Lions on his home ground.

And Crouch has revealed that Rooney's return has already given the squad a major boost and they are full of confidence as they prepare to face Macedonia and Croatia in the European Championship qualifiers.

Crouch said: "It always gives the lads a lift when Wayne is back and it is great to have him in the squad. He is always bubbly around the place.

"At times things don't go for you at club level, but he has looked lively in training and I hope it will come good for him again.

"Wayne is a top talent. People are making a big thing about his form but you have to remember he is only young and is a top player.

"Obviously I have trained alongside him and I think my partnership with Wayne can be a success for England."

Crouch is hoping to continue his impressive goalscoring form at Old Trafford after netting eleven goals in just 14 matches for his country.

Crouch added: "I want to continue my goalscoring record. We have got two important games coming up.

"Macedonia surprised us in the first game, but I hope it will be a different game this weekend and we know the pitch will be a lot better at Old Trafford. Hopefully we can beat them by a bigger margin."