McLaren demands England passion

Steve McClaren has called for England's players to prove their "pride and passion" when they take on Croatia in Zagreb on Wednesday.

"The sign of a good team is the reaction after a disappointing result," said McClaren, who saw England stumble to a draw with Macedonia on Saturday.

"The reaction has to be positive. That's what I'm looking for.

"We're looking for pride, passion, attitude and character and I'll be picking a team that epitomises that."
McClaren said he already knows his team, providing "one or two niggles" clear up.

Reports suggest Scott Parker could win his first international start in a five-man midfield and while the England boss would not confirm this, he was full of praise for the Newcastle skipper.

"He has really impressed me in training this week," he said. "He has come on and matured in the last couple of years.

"He epitomises what the English game is all about: he can play, he can pass, he can tackle and he's got character and attitude."

If he plays, Parker will line up alongside former Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard, who will win his 50th cap.

With Steven Gerrard unavailable through suspension, Lampard is ready to take on more responsibility.

"With experience, you have to take on more responsibility," said the 28-year-old.

"Every time I play for England I try to be a good influence on the team, rather than just one individual."

He added: "It's obviously a big loss for us, any team misses Steven Gerrard because he's such a fantastic player.

"But when you talk about the England squad you have to look further than any individual. It's a moment for someone else to come in and show they are worthy of a place in the team."

England skipper John Terry says the players are desperate to prove that the performance against Macedonia was a one-off.

"We know it will be a tough match against Croatia," said the Chelsea defender.

"It is a hostile place to come and they have a good record but we are very much looking forward to it now.

"The game cannot come soon enough for us because we want to bounce back straight away from Saturday's draw.

"We have come here for three points and to get our campaign under way again."

From : BBC Sports