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HOLLAND v ENGLAND - McCLAREN DEFENDS HIS SELECTION
England coach Steve McClaren went on the counter-offensive as he resolutely refused to offer a public opinion on a host of issues despite being pummelled by his inquisitors.
Among the subjects for non-discussion were Stewart Downing's outburst at being dropped for last month's defeat to Croatia and the newspaper column by McClaren's assistant Terry Venables which prompted it.
In addition, the reasons unearthed for England's shoddy performance in Zagreb and the content of chats between McClaren and his senior players also remained private, with the coach insisting now was a time to look forwards, instead of back.
His response did little to diffuse the tension but McClaren refused to be budged.
"The Croatia game has gone and the Stewart Downing situation has gone," he said.
"I didn't read Terry's column and I will not comment on something I have not read. I read some newspapers and others I don't. That is my choice and my prerogative.
"I know why (we lost in Croatia) but all my discussions with the players, individually and collectively, always stay private.
"They weren't secret meetings. They are something that happen naturally at clubs and I wanted it to happen at this level as well.
"You have to speak to your players. You have to find a way of closing the Croatia game down and moving ahead. That is what we did.
"You dissect the performance from every game, whether you win or lose. Some things you throw away, some you will keep. That is what we have all been doing over the last month.
"We have been finding out the reasons why and making sure we put it right. Now, we have a great opportunity to start looking ahead and moving forward."
McClaren was then left to launch a staunch defence of the players he has selected to try and record England's first win in the Dutch capital since 1969.
In particular, the England coach backed the right of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Kieran Richardson to be included in the travelling party, even though neither has played more than a bit-part for Chelsea or Manchester United this season.
"I have faith in the players I have picked," he said.
"Shaun and Kieran are playing for big clubs who rotate their teams. Sometimes it is very difficult to get in.
"But they are both young players with potential.
"Getting experience at this level and within the squad will only bode well for the future."
McClaren was equally forceful in his praise for goalkeeper Paul Robinson, whose fresh air shot at Gary Neville's pass back was the undoubted low point of the Croatian misery.
While some crics argued Neville was at fault for not play the ball wide of the goal, most pinned the blame on Robinson for Croatia's comical second, even though the Tottenham man had taken himself to the brink of history with a sixth consecutive clean sheet.
"The criticism Paul Robinson received was ridiculous," said McClaren.
"He was 90 minutes away from breaking Gordon Banks' record, then gets personal criticism I found was out of order.
"I am totally behind Paul Robinson. He is the number one goalkeeper."
McClaren did confirm it was possible his revamped side, which sees the inclusion of teenage defender Micah Richards and Everton striker Andrew Johnson as the most notable of four changes, may switch formations at some stage in the contest.
However, there will definitely be no repeat of the 3-5-2 formation which attracted so much scorn in Zagreb, although McClaren is not ruling out using it again in the future.
"Four at the back is the most sensible way to play tomorrow," he said.
"Who knows what will happen in the future."
By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.
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