England News

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

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Mac drops Parker hint

10 Oct 2006 - 15:28:09

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England head coach Steve McClaren has hinted that he may include Newcastle United captain Scott Parker in his starting line-up for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.

The former Charlton and Chelsea star has only made two substitute appearances for his country in friendly internationals but has impressed McClaren in training.

The ex-Middlesbrough boss is looking for his side to bounce back from Saturday's goalless draw against FYR Macedonia, saying: "The reaction of the players after Saturday has to be good.

"I'll be picking a team for a difficult game that has the character to come through it. We know it will be a tough game but we want to see some pride and passion tomorrow.

"Scott Parker has really impressed me in training. He's really matured in the last two years. He's captain of his club and he's got the right character and attitude. But we'll wait to see if he plays tomorrow.

"It will be a difficult game, a back-to-the walls game and a tough test for us all.

"I want as many players on the pitch that have experienced hostile atmospheres like we'll face tomorrow."

Ledley King has been forced to drop of the squad with a knee injury after playing on Saturday but fit-again Rio Ferdinand is expected to come in for the Tottenham defender.

"We knew there was a problem after Saturday's game with Ledley," McClaren added. "He hasn't made it but we've got our ideas on how to play without him.

"We have a couple of niggles after training today so we'll look at that and then pick the team.

"I'll be sending out a team that can get a result first and foremost. We go into every game looking to win it. England can beat anybody on our day and that's the attitude we'll take into the game.

"Croatia are a good young team, they've got great pride in their country and 12 year's unbeaten in Zagreb is some record."