England

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Mac feels Lennon pressure

06 Sep 2006 - 11:53:59

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England boss Steve McClaren has admitted it is becoming increasingly difficult to justify leaving Aaron Lennon out of his starting line-up.

The Tottenham winger was kept out of the England team by David Beckham at the World Cup finals and now finds himself behind Steven Gerrard in McClaren's plans for the right flank.

However, a series of impressive performances as a substitute mean the teenager is now pressing for a regular starting spot.

McClaren said: "Aaron is definitely knocking on the door. He made an impression at the World Cup and he has continued that since. He has made an impact when he has come on.

"What we are looking for in this squad is competition and people are looking over their shoulder at Aaron Lennon.

"The 11 who start know they have to perform because there are people like Aaron on the bench who can come on and perform. It is great for me as a coach.

"Aaron is that type of impact player. Whenever he receives the ball, there is a buzz of excitement from the fans.

"We see it every day in training. He is some player, a young man with great potential. At the moment he is coming on as a sub and filling that role very well. In the future, who knows?"