Viennese preparation
Friday, 16 November, 2007
Steve McClaren says he will use the friendly with Austria to test the form of his players and fine-tune his tactics.
Austria v England
International Friendly
8pm, Friday 16 November 2007
Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
Live on Sky Sports
Steve McClaren has revealed he will use tonight’s friendly fixture in Vienna to test the form of his players and fine-tune tactics ahead of what he expects to be a crucial qualifier against Croatia five days later.
The Three Lions Head Coach has picked a midfield packed full of experience to face Austria, recalling Frank Lampard and David Beckham to partner Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole.
But he also expects to give chances to several young players who are desperately knocking on the door of the senior team.
That includes Aston Villa goalkeeper Scott Carson who has already been informed that he will make his full England debut.
But it could also mean the likes of Ashley Young and David Bentley making substitute appearances and see Micah Richards moved from right-back to centre-half later in the game.
It is also a chance to test the fitness of players returning from injury – including Beckham, who starts the match, and Ashley Cole, who is expected to make an appearance as a second-half substitute.
“I definitely want to look at changes during the game and that includes Ashley,” said McClaren.
“This match is for cohesion. We don’t get many chances to work together ahead of a big game - and I still believe Wednesday is going to be a big game.
“So I want to look at some of the younger players during this match, especially the likes of David Bentley and Ashley Young who are on the bench.
“There will be a few changes and we’ll look at one or two personnel and one or two things."
Manchester City star Richards has been chosen in his regular slot at right-back but could switch positions at some stage.
McClaren added: "We need Sol Campbell's experience in the centre and I think Micah is important to us at right-back. Going forward he is very effective. But maybe at half-time or after 60 minutes we will move him inside."
Perhaps McClaren’s biggest decision was whether to recall Lampard after the Chelsea midfielder lost his place to Gareth Barry in recent matches.
The England Head Coach said: “Gareth Barry was excellent in the last three games and Frank Lampard didn't feature, but Frank's form for Chelsea has been a revelation since and he is playing some of his best football.
“It’s no slight on Barry, who has played very well. I’m not saying this is the team that will play Croatia and I’m not saying this is the midfield that will play next Wednesday.”
He has also chosen to recall Beckham to the side for his 98th cap and added: “David Beckham made an impact in the summer when he came back in. He’s been injured and we need to look at him again. It’s a big game for David to prove his fitness and his form.”
And perhaps the most interesting selection is the debut for Carson in goal – although McClaren refuses to discuss whether the Aston Villa star will remain between the posts for next Wednesday’s match at Wembley.
He said: “I’ve been wanting to look at Scott for a long time, I think he deserved it after the tournament he had with the Under-21s. I’ve said to him before if ever there’s a game I can get you 90 minutes then I will, and this is the perfect match.
“ I have in my own mind who the goalkeeper will be next Wednesday and you’ll find that out when we come to the game.”