Time to step forward

Three Lions Head Coach Steve McClaren will today call on the big names in his squad to step forward and produce a special performance against Israel.

McClaren is preparing a rousing speech for his squad this morning ahead of a training session at the new Wembley.

He will order his players to forget about any disappointing performances in the past and instead challenge them to step up to the hot plate in Israel on Saturday.

It is a positive message from the England boss, who believes his team is filled with the kind of high quality players who should be capable of taking three points in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier.

Not so long ago Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho spoke about his ‘miracle men’ at Stamford Bridge - the players who could grab a game by the scruff of the neck, do something special and win it.

And McClaren is adamant England also have those kind of players at their disposal - and in abundance.

He said: "When you look at the top teams, they have special players who can change games or win you games, who step forward when it is needed. The time has come for our players to step forward.

"The players who can inspire you and win you games need to step forward in the big games. Wayne Rooney is one of those players. There are others. Look at Monday night's games. They were both very tight. What is the difference?

"A world class striker turning on a sixpence and putting the ball into the net.

"Look at Ronaldo, a special player who wins you game. We have those with England. They need to step forward. It is time for them to step forward. That will be my message when I speak to the players. That is the message everybody wants to hear. It has to be delivered starting now."

McClaren has yet to announce his team for Saturday’s big match in Tel Aviv, but already there is talk of the prospect of Rooney forming a lethal partnership with in-form Everton striker Andy Johnson.

Johnson, who scored the winner for Everton against Arsenal on Sunday to make it 12 goals so far this season, has impressed the England management team and clearly has a big part to play this weekend.

McClaren said: "I can see potential in Johnson and Rooney together. He has had a good season with Everton. He is a team player. You saw that on Sunday.

"He works hard for the team. Against Holland he was playing on the right wing but he still ran all the way back. You look at Drogba last week. He was back on the edge of his own box. These players have to do that.

"Strikers have to work as hard as anyone else in the team to defend. Andrew Johnson does that. Wayne Rooney does that. Defenders don't like to play against strikers like that. He wasn't fit for the last game but I am delighted to have him this time."