McClaren defends Austria fixture

Austria v England
Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
Friday, 16 November
Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Live commentary: BBC Radio 5 Live & BBC Sport website (UK only)
Coverage: BBC Sport website, highlights on BBC THREE (1030 GMT) & BBC TWO (0045 GMT)

England coacg Steve McClaren has rejected suggestions Friday's friendly against Austria is a redundant match.

England will travel to Vienna only five days before their crucial Euro 2008 qualifier with Croatia on 21 November.

But McClaren believes the game will give the likes of David Beckham and Ashley Cole an opportunity for a vital run-out in an England shirt.

"We needed some kind of preparation for Croatia, so we had a chance to look at a few things," said McClaren.

McClaren looks set to name Beckham and Cole, who have both recovered from ankle injuries, in his starting XI to face Josef Hickersberger's side on Friday.

Their return will give the under-fire England boss a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the biggest week of his international career.

Goalkeeper Scott Carson, who is on loan at Aston Villa from Liverpool, has been tipped to be given a debut against Austria because of doubts over the form of Tottenham's Paul Robinson.

England are second in Group E but Russia will qualify for Euro 2008 if they win their remaining two games against Israel and Andorra, while leaders Croatia need only one point from two games.

It is a daunting prospect for England, whose hopes of reaching next year's finals effectively rest with Israel in Tel Aviv on Saturday.

But McClaren believes Austria will deflect attention from next Wednesday's potential crunch match against Croatia at Wembley.

"It would also be good to make sure the 10 days is not solely focused on Croatia," he added.

"Nevertheless, I wouldn't say what we do on Friday will definitely be what we do on Wednesday."

If McClaren fails to guide England to Euro 2008, it will be the first time the country has not qualified for a major championship since 1994.

Pressure has been mounting on McClaren from all quarters but England legend Sir Bobby Charlton has backed the former Middlesbrough manager to succeed.

"The Football Association says he is the manager and will be for a while," said Charlton. "I think if you ask a few football people they would tell you 'who else would you get?'

"The England manager's job is so high profile. Maybe you need a bit of luck - support from the players, the FA, people in the game generally. Let's give him a chance."

Source: BBC Sport