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.	MACEDONIA v ENGLAND: McCLAREN CALLS FOR NEW ENGLAND RESILIENCE Steve McClaren has stressed the need for England to cope with adverse situations such as the hostile atmosphere they are expected to face in Macedonia on Wednesday if they are to become a major footballing force. The England coach is demanding skipper John Terry and company keep their discipline on a ground where their black players were subjected to racist abuse from supporters in another European Championship qualifier three years ago. The St George's flag was burnt on the terraces during the national anthem before England came from behind to triumph 2-1 thanks to Wayne Rooney's first goal for his country and David Beckham's penalty. McClaren knows his squad will probably have to overcome a similar challenge this time around as they strive to build on the five-goal mauling of minnows Andorra at the weekend - and he has faith in them to rise to the challenge. He said: "Everyone is aware of the need to kick racism out of society and football and everyone is working hard towards that. I know Macedonia are, we are and I know UEFA are and that's all we can do about it. "We have to handle these situations and handle them well. It's about emotional control and young players coming across these issues and dealing with them. You can control the preparation and work you do and the information you give to players. "Some of the things you can't control - opponents, referees, the crowd, the weather, the pitch, you have to cope with all those things and come through them to win. The good teams do that. "We are aiming to be a very good team so we have to handle these situations." McClaren added: "This is still quite a young squad but it has got experience at club level especially and in tournaments. It should handle this situation, no problem. "They have been in this atmosphere before. They have handled it and they have got to do exactly the same again. One thing we mentioned on Saturday against Andorra was the discipline, was the way our players stayed in control, stayed calm and focused. "We will be reiterating exactly the same message on Wednesday evening. That discipline is key especially away in Europe. That's what I always stressed at Middlesbrough and always stress with England. "You have not to lose control, not become frustrated and, when you are under pressure, make sure you come through that pressure and keep playing your football. "Confidence and belief comes via results and we have to get results. This is a another test and if they get another good result, the confidence will grow even more." McClaren insisted: We are definitely thinking we should win this game. That's the message we will get across to the players. We respect every team and every game away you have to respect the opponent. "Look at Italy's result at the weekend against Lithuania? It showed what can happen. We will have respect for Macedonia but we have the team and the players and if we produce on the night, we expect to win. "Every game provides a test. This is a different one against a good team and we are very confident going into 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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