'We must look forward'
Monday, 09 October, 2006
Terry Venables has stressed the need for England to look forward and not back as they prepare to take on Croatia.
Croatia v England
UEFA European Championship Qualifying Group E
5pm, Wednesday 11 October 2006
Maksimir Stadium, Zagreb
England 0-0 Macedonia Archive Details -
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England's Assistant Coach Terry Venables has stressed the need to look forward to Wednesday's game with Croatia rather than dwell on their 0-0 draw with Macedonia.
Venables admitted that the Three Lions would have wanted more from the game with Macedonia on Saturday, but was keen to give credit to the visitors who acquitted themselves well.
"On Saturday, with the amount of shots and efforts that we had on goal, we should have scored," Venables explained.
"Macedonia played very well over the two games and perhaps they have not been given enough credit.
"They drew twice with Holland in the qualifiers for the World Cup so four points against them over two games is a good haul but it is nice to win at home in front of your own fans and it disappointed us that we did not do that"
While admitting that the result was not what was expected, England were not alone in being surprised by their opponents at the weekend.
"Looking at the games and the results around Europe, with France and Spain both losing on Saturday, we are seeing that these are big groups full of strong teams and there are hardly any easy games.
"The coaches around the world are getting very good technically, especially with the teams that have been together for a while. We've seen Macedonia and we also how well Slovakia did against Wales. The team-work of these sides can make it very difficult to play against them."
That said it is now vitally important that England head to Zagreb with a positive attitude as they look to get the result they want on Wednesday night.
"Now we go to Croatia and we've got to make sure that we are going there and looking forward to taking up the challenge," Venables said.
"It is a very big game and a big challenge. We know they have not lost a home qualifier and that record speaks for itself.
"It will be interesting for us to see where we stand after Wednesday's game. That will be our fourth game in the group and our last qualifier of the year. After that, we'll really be able to assess where we are and how we are doing.
"I think we have already picked up some of the areas where we can improve and we must learn all the time. But we must learn quickly.
"We have had a set-back and now there is only one way to look and that is forward. We've got to take up the challenge and look forward to it."
Stay with TheFA.com for all the build up to the game on Wednesday night