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McClaren hints at changes

11 Sep 2007 - 13:07:55

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England manager Steve McClaren has admitted that he could make changes to the side that beat Israel when Guus Hiddink brings his impressive Russia side to Wembley for a Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.

McClaren will confirm his team on Wednesday lunchtime but has Peter Crouch available again after the Liverpool striker was suspended for Saturday's 3-0 win.

Emile Heskey played instead of Crouch against Israel and impressed following his spell in the international wilderness, leaving McClaren with a selection headache.

The England boss may also make some tactical changes, saying: "The decisions you make are the ones necessary to win the game.

"It doesn't matter as long as it works. When it works you are brave and when they don't, you can be foolish.

"I felt Emile could come back and help us win and he certainly helped us on Saturday. Peter is a big player for us, he scores goals and it is great to have that option coming back.

"We've looked at one or two things and we've tried one or two things but I will confirm the team on Wednesday lunchtime at the team meeting.

"It is a different challenge, a tougher challenge. Russia play a different system so we may have to tweak one or two things.

"There is a great spirit among the squad, a lot of confidence and belief. We have done the first job and we have to follow that up. They have to transfer that on Saturday and the way they train into the next game.

"This is coming to the nitty-gritty and we can't afford any slip-ups and the players know that. It is like the run into a championship or a quarter-final of a cup and when you can see the finish line it helps the players' concentration.

"We need consistency and that is what I'm looking for. We have to carry it through to the rest of the games in the group stages.

"A win tomorrow will put us in a very good position in the group and then we are in charge."