England News

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

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

McClaren backs Parker

30 Sep 2006 - 09:11:23

Click To Enlarge

England head coach Steve McClaren thinks in-form Newcastle United midfielder Scott Parker will fit in well with the rest of his squad.

The 25-year-old former Charlton Athletic and Chelsea star has been called into the England squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against FYR Macedonia and Croatia after winning only two caps under previous coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Parker comes in for injured midfielder Owen Hargreaves and McClaren told the Football Association's official website: "Scott is captain at Newcastle, he's having a very good run in the team, he's playing well and he's a leader.

"He's a player who epitomises what we're all about - team ethic and a winning attitude.

"He was thrilled and delighted to have the opportunity.

"I'm looking forward to meeting up with him and the rest of the squad on Tuesday for two very big games for England."

Parker's two England appearances came as substitutes against Denmark in November 2003 and Sweden four months later.