Roll Out the Cliches

Israel on Saturday. Russia on Wednesday. Both Euro 2008 qualifiers that England need to win to be in with a realistic chance of qualifying for the tournament.

Steve McClaren was on the news this morning, and his gist went thus:

“I looked around the room and said “No excuses.” I was very happy with what I saw, with what I’ve got [the squad]. I said “We’ve got enough in this room to win those matches, and we will win them.”

Unfortunately I can’t find this quote anywhere online (yet), so you’ll have to take my word for it. It’s a snippet from a press conference that’s bound to be replayed throughout the coming days.

After England’s abject display against Germany last month, I’d go for a draw against Israel and a win against Russia.

More worringly, perhaps, is McClaren’s view of England’s drab 0-0 draw with Israel in March. Referring to the inclusion of Heskey (lord help us) as a ‘focal point’, something that was missing from the game in March, McClaren said:

“We didn’t have a plan B.”

I can understand not having a plan C, D or E. But no plan B?

Really?

That is worrying.