'I can't fault them'

McClaren was hugely disappointed that his side lost the match against Group E rivals Russia 2-1, leaving hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 hanging in the balance.

But after watching Wayne Rooney put England ahead with a stunning volley and then seeing defenders like Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell throw their bodies on the line to try and keep the lead, it would take a harsh man to criticise and the crushing disappointment of each and every player as they left the pitch was clear for all to see.

McClaren said: “I can't fault the players. Their attitude, their spirit and their commitment. The blocks, the headers they put in. Tactically what they did, I couldn't fault them.

“I wouldn't do anything differently. I was happy with the preparation. The pitch was okay. That is not an excuse. Our performance until the penalty was just as I thought.

“We got the goal and we defended very well. I felt chances would come our way to get the second. They did. We looked comfortable. We've ended up losing a game that really, after 70 minutes, I never thought we'd lose."

England’s fate in the match hung on a decision to award a penalty for a tug by Rooney on Konstantin Zurianov, even though it appeared to take place outside the area.

“The decision has turned the game,” said McClaren. “The second goal is obviously a massive disappointment.”

England now need Russia to drop points either away to Israel on November 17 or in Andorra on November 21 to give them hope of qualifying and McClaren believes it could happen.

“We have been to Israel,” he said. “It is a tough place to get a result. It is not going to be easy for Russia. Israel have a good home record. Now we have to rely on them to do us a favour. We're not giving up. We'll take it to the end.”