McClaren expects
Saturday, 07 October, 2006
Steve McClaren is looking forward to what he believes will be a tough test against a resilient Macedonian side.
England v Macedonia
UEFA European Championship
Qualifying Group E
5pm, Sat 7 October 2006
Old Trafford, Manchester
Steve McClaren says he is looking forward to a tough test as he comes up against Macedonia for the second consecutive game, and expects them to be every bit as tough as they were in Skopje.
McClaren said: "On the international stage, it’s unusual to play against a team two games running. It’s a bit similar to a European game at club level over two legs – that’s how we’ll be approaching it.
"They did very well against us in the first game. They used their home advantage to good effect, playing quite a fluid 3-4-3, and they were well organised and caused us a few problems. We feel we know more about them for this game but they probably feel the same.
"Our performance over in Skopje was a gritty one and full of character. That was what was needed in that instance but we have got to add a bit more quality to that.
"You should never expect anything in football. We have great respect for Macedonia and we know what they are capable of but, at the same time, we are at home and we need to take the game to them."
McClaren realises the importance of this double header as England come up against Macedonia first, and then the daunting trip to Zagreb to take on Croatia.
"This week will be a great challenge for us. After today’s game, we’ll head to Croatia and that is always a tough place to play," McClaren explained. "The atmosphere will be tremendous. They have extremely passionate fans and it is certainly going to be a big test for us.
"I have great respect for Mr Katanec, the coach of Macedonia. I was impressed with what he achieved as coach of Slovenia a few years ago and now he’s got Macedonia playing well and achieving results.
"Like Katanec, the coach of our next opponents Croatia is another former international player, Slaven Bilic. I know Slaven from his Everton days. It tends to just be a handshake before the game between coaches but I had a chat with Slaven in Berlin at a conference earlier this year."
McClaren is positive that a number of players are in good form going into the international week, and believes that could be the difference for the Three Lions.
"We’ve got players in form, which is a big positive for us,"McClaren revealed, "It’s nice to see Frank Lampard back among the goals. Even when he’s not scoring, he’s always a big contributor to the team.
"Similarly Peter Crouch is right on top of his game at the moment. That goal he scored for Liverpool in Europe was an absolute cracker. That’s what Peter is about, technique and ability.
"And finally, on the subject of major contributions, thank you once again for your continued support. I hope that today, as ever, you will be our twelfth man from the Old Trafford stands."
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