England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Bent comes in for Owen

18 Nov 2007 - 17:23:20

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England boss Steve McClaren has added Darren Bent and Owen Hargreaves to his squad for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley.

Tottenham striker Bent replaces Michael Owen who limped out of Friday's friendly win in Austria with a thigh problem.

Manchester United midfielder Hargreaves returns to the squad after missing the 1-0 victory with a knee problem.

McClaren told Sky Sports News: "I said after the game on Friday there are good enough players to get the result we need. I've called up Darren Bent and Owen Hargreaves will join us.

"Owen has good experience and he's playing regularly for United.

"Expectations I know are great, but you can't do it without the fans.

"It's about sticking together, being positive and getting behind the team.

"We've got no excuses, we have to perform, and it would be a great boost to get the media, fans and people on the street behind us."

England need only a point against Croatia to confirm their place in next summer's tournament following Israel's shock 2-1 victory against Russia, and McClaren added: "The players are all buoyed with the result and the opportunity they have.

"I think the feeling is we've got a great chance now, it's up to us, there are no excuses.

"Qualification is the key and I always felt we'd have to win the Croatia game, but all we need to do is draw.

"We have to be positive, we have to go out there and attack, be up tempo. We have to get the balance right and make sure we're positive."