England News

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

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Mac hints at tactical change

04 Oct 2006 - 09:19:15

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England boss Steve McClaren has hinted he may make a tactical change to his side for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against FYR Macedonia and Croatia because of Owen Hargreaves' absence through injury.

The Bayern Munich midfielder broke his leg last month so McClaren looks set to abandon the 4-4-2 formation he used in his first three games in charge.

"I'm not averse to changing systems," said the former Middlesbrough boss.

"I firmly believe that you can't just have one system and be rigid in that. We're thinking long and hard about what we play now Owen is out.

"We might have to change it a little bit because losing a big player like that just changes the balance of the team. That's something we'll be looking at this week."

Michael Carrick is one player who could come in to replace Hargreaves in the midfield holding role after enjoying a successful start to life with Manchester United.

He said: "It all depends on the way the gaffer wants to go. He's talked about 3-5-2, and throughout the games that he's been in charge he's changed formations.

"I really enjoyed playing that role at Tottenham, but it's a slightly different system at United and we sort of take turns in doing the role.

"I'm getting used to being in more forward positions, but I'm comfortable playing the holding role because I've done it for so long. It comes pretty naturally."