BACK TO ARCHIVE INDEX © All written site content is copyright ComeOnBoro.com 2004-2007, unless otherwise stated, and is not to be used without prior permission.	McCLAREN: WIDE MEN THE KEY Steve McClaren believes Steven Gerrard and Stewart Downing will have key roles to play if England are to overcome Macedonia in tonight's Euro 2008 qualifier. Middlesbrough winger Downing and midfielder Frank Lampard came in for criticism after Saturday's win over Andorra at Old Trafford despite England's 5-0 stroll to victory. But manager McClaren was happy with the showing of both players and feels Downing has brought a balance to the side on the left flank in the absence of the injured Joe Cole. He said: "The wide players will be vital. The width was important on Saturday and will be again on Wednesday. Downing has come in on that left-hand side and has given us great balance. "There was a little bit of criticism about his performance on Saturday - but there was none from us. "He crossed nine balls during the game which was double anyone else on the park and it's all about production. Yes, we can play football but at the end of the day it's about production. "Stewart Downing is there to provide the width, to give space to other people, to give space for Ashley Cole to overlap and exploit, if he has doubled up, and Ashley provided two of the goals. "Stewart's balls were quality balls into the box so he is doing his job for the team and that's the most important thing - the team." On the opposite flank Gerrard will win his 50th cap - nearly six and a half years after making his debut against the Ukraine at Wembley. And McClaren is confident the Liverpool skipper can make an even bigger impact for his country during the second half of his career. McClaren said: "Steven can get better. It is a tremendous achievement, 50 caps at his age (26), and he has got great experience and is using that experience really well with England and Liverpool. "I think he can improve and get better but he is one of those inspirational players whose performance inspires everyone else and he is one of those who at any moment can win a game for you. People like that in your team are invaluable." Macedonia will provide a sterner test than Andorra and England's 2-1 win in Skopje three years ago was marred by racist taunts towards Sven-Goran Eriksson's players. McClaren said: "It is one we want to win. Macedonia have good pedigree and good results. Since the new coach (Srecko Katanec) took over in January, they have won three away games. "They are at home, it will be a terrific atmosphere, everything is in their favour, and this is a great test for our lads. "In qualifying for tournaments, you have to play away and deal with everything that is thrown at you. We are going to get quite a few things thrown at us and we have to handle that and make sure we come out and win the game." By Bettingzone.co.uk Used with permission. SEND THIS TO A FRIEND ENGLAND v ANDORRA & MACEDONIA MATCH PROGRAMME INDEX
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