Croatia v England
UEFA European Championship Qualifying Group E
5pm, Wednesday 11 October 2006
Maksimir Stadium, Zagreb
Steve McClaren's England Record - Click Here
10 October 2006
VIDEO: Steve McClaren pre-Croatia
Steve McClaren talks to the media before England's crucial match in Zagreb against Croatia.
Steve McClaren has outlined the qualities needed for England to earn an historic victory against Croatia today and challenged his players to achieve it.

By now everyone knows the Croatians haven’t lost a competitive match at home in 12 years but McClaren believes his team are ready to do something special in Zagreb.

He wants them to put the frustration of last weekend's goalless draw against Macedonia behind them once and for all. And he knows exactly what it will take to do it.

He said: "We need character, we need pride, we need passion and attitude.

"We need a team of men out there who have the experience to handle the occasion. The make-up of the team will be around those ingredients.

"Croatia are a patriotic nation, very proud. But so are we - absolutely. John Terry epitomises that. And we’ll be looking for a big reaction.

"Everybody has to seize responsibility, we can’t carry anybody. We'll be looking at the leaders in the side to help us come out on top."

When it comes to team selection, McClaren is keeping his cards close to his chest.

But after some intensive training sessions this week he can choose from a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 formation if he wants to shake things up. But the final decision will depend on fitness, form and last-minute preparation.

"We've got to change and look at different systems," he hinted. "You have to look at the make-up of the team and we're missing a lot of players, we're missing four midfielders and we have to cope with that. You have to be flexible.

"We've done the work and I'm pleased with the reaction of the players so far. You can't gamble - you have to know. And I'm quite confident after seeing them that they can do it.

"If we have to go to a three at the back, many of the players have done it before and it's no problem.

"But it won't be easy in Zagreb and we have to get as much experience on that park as possible to cope with the situation."

Rio Ferdinand is available once more after missing Saturday’s game against Macedonia with a back injury - and players such as Scott Parker, Jamie Carragher and Phil Neville are also ready should they be required.

But whatever the tactics the aim of the night is clear - to win three points and put memories of last weekend’s frustration to bed for good.Stay with TheFA.com for all the build up to the game on Wednesday night