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Gerrard backing McClaren

14 Nov 2007 - 15:24:13

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Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has once again backed Steve McClaren, insisting that the under-fire former Middlesbrough boss is the right man to take England forward.

Gerrard, who will captain England in Friday's friendly international against Austria, has not given up hope that McClaren's side will qualify for next summer's Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Such a scenario would involve Russia failing to win in Israel and England beating Croatia, but Gerrard believes that could still happen.

He said: "I'm certainly backing the manager. I've got a lot of faith in him. I've enjoyed working with him and speaking to the other players I'm sure they feel the same.

"There's no point changing managers every five months or every year. You need continuity and I feel we're moving in the right direction.

"The mood was good in training. The lads are smiling and working hard. Preparation for Friday is all we can do. We've got to forget everything else and focus on trying to beat Austria.

"You don't need motivation when joining up with England, you're representing your country. We'll have a close eye on Saturday's game between Israel and Russia. I think we'll have to watch it.

"It'll be an interesting game and we've got a lot waiting on it. It's something out of our control. It's pointless worrying or bring concerned until it happens.

"We'll keep our fingers crossed and hope Israel do us a favour."

Striker Michael Owen is also backing McClaren, with the Newcastle United star saying: "I think every player you would ask would back the manager, that's a natural thing to do.

"He's been with us for a while and we think he's the right man for the job.

"All the players will be doing their utmost to do it for the country. We don't think to ourselves 'the manager's under pressure'. We play for the manager and the nation every time we pull on the shirt."