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Saturday, 13 October 2007, 16:47 GMT 17:47 UK

McClaren turns to game in Russia

England manager Steve McClaren England boss Steve McClaren's thoughts quickly switched to Wednesday's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Russia after the comfortable 3-0 win over Estonia.

England are five points ahead of third-placed Russia, who have played a game less, and a win in Moscow will take McClaren's side to the finals.

Of the win over Estonia, McClaren said: "It was a job done.

"The second half was flat. We had one eye on Wednesday but we got through and now move on to the big one."

He added: "It was a professional performance and we won it in the first 20 minutes.

"I am delighted with some individual performances. We have to move on quickly."

606: DEBATE

McClaren brought on midfielder Frank Lampard for striker Michael Owen late on as he experimented with his formation ahead of the game against Russia.

He would not be drawn if he would play the same team or make changes for a match that will be played on the artificial surface of the Luzhniki Stadium.

"We will review it all on Monday," stated McClaren. "There is good attitude, belief and confidence in the dressing room.

"You would go for balance. You want to be hard to beat and keep a clean sheet but you also want to go there to try to get a result.

"A win would be magnificent but a draw would be suitable.

"We looked at one or two things in the second half and it has given us food for thought.

"We've got to go out there (Russia) and attempt to do the job we know we have to do"
England striker Wayne Rooney

"We are in pole position. It is up to us."

Lampard was booed from some sections of the crowd when he came on and McClaren said: "No-one likes to see that.

"It has happened a few times. Frank gets on with his football and lets that do the talking but it is disappointing."

England striker Wayne Rooney scored his first international goal since a 4-2 win over Croatia at Euro 2004.

He compared the game against Russia to when England earned a goalless draw with turkey in Istanbul to qualify for Euro 2004.

"We have got the job done today and we've got a similar game in Russia to the one we had to tackle in Istanbul a few years ago," said Rooney.

"We know it will be difficult and it will be a tough game - but we've got to go out there and attempt to do the job we know we have to do.

"It was a nervy night over there in Turkey. We had a few chances and could have won it.

"But we went out there and did a job and I am confident we can do the same again.

"There is definitely the belief and quality in this squad to get the same sort of result.

"There are a few younger players in the squad now - but the same, if not more, quality."




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Related to this story:

England 3-0 Estonia (13 Oct 07 |  Internationals )
England doubt over defender Cole (13 Oct 07 |  Internationals )
Comment: Stop Frank attack (13 Oct 07 |  Rugby Union )
Live - Euro 2008 qualifiers (13 Oct 07 |  Internationals )
Hero or zero? (13 Oct 07 |  Internationals )
International football photos (13 Oct 07 |  Football )
Euro 2008 tables (22 Aug 07 |  Internationals )
Barry finds his feet (11 Oct 07 |  Internationals )
Pick your England XI (31 Aug 07 |  Internationals )
Allardyce dismisses Owen dispute (10 Oct 07 |  Internationals )
Ashton to miss England qualifiers (08 Oct 07 |  Internationals )
Guide to Euro 2008 (27 Jan 06 |  Internationals )

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