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MIDFIELD STILL TROUBLES McCLAREN
Steve McClaren has admitted the blend and balance of England's midfield remains 'an enigma'.
Immediately after succeeding Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach, McClaren claimed his first priority was trying to bring some balance to his side.
So far, his efforts have met with limited success.
For, while three straight wins at the start of his tenure suggested good times ahead, a home draw with Macedonia, followed by the dismal defeat in Croatia have reinforced the belief McClaren has plenty of work on his plate.
After the disastrous experiment with a five-man midfield against the Croats, McClaren is expected to revert to a traditional four-man engine room for the friendly against Holland in Amsterdam on Wednesday.
But those plans have been hit by Aaron Lennon's absence with a knee injury.
Steven Gerrard is expected to line up alongside Frank Lampard in central midfield, with Joe Cole filling one of the wide berths.
However, given the combination of Lampard and Gerrard has been tried plenty of times in the past without being particularly effective, there is no great confidence outside the England camp it will work this week.
And McClaren accepts the perfect solution has yet to be found.
"The (team's) blend and balance has always been, for me, the enigma and may continue to be, especially in that midfield area," McClaren told talkSPORT.
"It is something where we are trying things and hoping to resolve. We need to find a blend and balance to take us forward."
The loss of seven players from his original 28-man squad can hardly have helped McClaren's planning although, in truth, only Gary Neville of the absent players could have expected to start as England look to record their first win in Amsterdam since 1969.
By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.
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