18 October 2007
VIDEO: Steve McClaren press conference
The England Head Coach talks to the media ahead of England's game with Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday. 

England v Croatia
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
8pm, Wednesday 21 November 2007
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC

 

Steve McClaren has urged the nation to get behind his boys and roar England on to the Euro 2008 Finals.

The Three Lions need a point against Croatia on Wednesday to clinch qualification and the atmosphere at Wembley should be crackling.

But Head Coach McClaren wants every supporter, journalist and pundit across the country to set up a positive vibe for his players.

He said: “We’re there now, we’re in the driving seat, it’s up to us. So we have to make sure we finish the job off.

“But it’s not a foregone conclusion and we need everybody to get behind the team.

“I’m talking about the media, the people in the street, the people there at Wembley. For me, the fans are going to be key.

“So let’s put all the other agendas away, leave them for after the game. Let’s make sure the build-up is so positive and we’re so behind this team that we go out there and win.

“Because where do we want to be? We all want to be in Austria and Switzerland next summer. And we can all help in that aim.”

McClaren has promised that his team will go all out for victory over Croatia, even though a clean sheet and a point would be enough to send them to Austria and Switzerland next summer.

“We will go out to win the game," he added. "That’s what we’ve done in the second half of the campaign, that’s what has got us results and that’s what we’re sticking to.

“I don’t think it’s in England’s nature to play for a draw. But we also know we must get the balance right because a clean sheet ultimately will send us through.

“But we have to make it a great night on the terraces. We have to make Wembley intimidating for the opposition and a boost for us. “

Just hearing the England boss talk should be enough to get fans buzzing for the big game and his players are already on a high after Israel’s result at the weekend. But McClaren knows the one thing that could trip up his team is complacency – and he’s determined it won’t happen.

“Croatia have qualified, they are a good team. And they are a good team when they are relaxed,” he warned.

“I remember the Greece game in 2001, I was on the bench. We needed a draw, Greece had nothing to play for and that was another one of those nerve-wracking moments you will never forget, with David Beckham’s free-kick in the last minute to go through. I hope it doesn’t come to that but that’s how dangerous Croatia are going to be.

“It’s the first thing I’m going to stress to the players. They know. And the mood amongst the players is one of determination. They know we have to deliver on Wednesday.”

McClaren is impressed by the togetherness and camaraderie of his squad and wants everybody together on Wednesday to finish the job – including the walking wounded!

“We are going to contact them. The likes of Rio, Wayne Rooney, John Terry, we need them at the game. We need everybody together.  It would be great to have them in the dressing room.

“I have great belief in this group of players, not just for now but for the future. They need to go through these moments to get stronger and better. You don’t want to go through them but you have to. So we are ready to finish the job.”