England v Spain
International Friendly
8pm, Wednesday 7 February 2007
Old Trafford, Manchester
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6 February 2007
Steve McClaren Press Conference

Watch the press conference as Steve McClaren names his starting XI for Spain, which includes Ben Foster.

Steve McClaren is relishing the chance to see Ben Foster, Jonathan Woodgate and Kieron Dyer stake their claims for a regular place in the England team when they face Spain on Wednesday night.

McClaren has made seven changes from the team which drew 1-1 against Holland back in November and gone for a new look formation, with Dyer playing an attacking midfield role just behind Peter Crouch.

The England coach has nothing but praise for the way Woodgate and Dyer have performed in the Premiership this season and feels it was the right time for Foster to gain some much needed experience on the international stage.

McClaren said: "I have always admired Jonathan Woodgate and since he has come back into the Premiership he has been a revelation. He is a good player and dying to play for England again.

"Kieron is another player I admire and his performances have been full of maturity since he got back into the Newcastle side. I am looking forward to seeing that maturity for England.

"I have put Ben into the team purely for experience. No-one has the experience which Paul Robinson has got and we need to give the other keepers that. It is the perfect opportunity for him to start the game."

The England coach is hoping the Three Lions can get 2007 off to the perfect start with a win over Spain at Old Trafford and finish the year by qualifying for the European Championship Finals.

McClaren added: "I was at the Bernabeu the last time we faced Spain and we could not get the ball off them. We need to make it our day and it will be a big night for everyone.

"This is an important year for us and hopefully we can finish it by qualifying for Euro 2008."

McClaren revealed that Aaron Lennon was forced to withdraw from the squad through illness after being troubled with a stomach bug.

Here is the starting XI:

Foster
G Neville
Woodgate
Ferdinand
P Neville
Wright-Phillips
Gerrard
Carrick
Lampard
Dyer
Crouch