McClaren eager to win back fans

England boss Steve McClaren says he is ready to use the friendly against Spain as a platform to regain the faith of the country's fans.

England went out in the last eight in the World Cup and have started poorly in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

"We've all got, ever since the World Cup and the disappointment of the World Cup, something to prove," he said.

"That's me; that's the players; that's everybody involved with England. That's what we're determined to do."

Interview: England boss Steve McClaren
Interview: England's Steven Gerrard

England have not helped their cause since their exit in Germany as they have struggled to a 0-0 draw against Macedonia and lost 2-0 in Croatia in Euro 2008 qualifiers.

McClaren added: "We see it as a big year, and I do see it as a big year because we start with a friendly against Spain and - we hope - finish it with qualification for the Euro 2008 finals. That's the aim.

"There are going to be many twists and turns along the way - but that's all we're concentrating on. We're not concentrating on me personally and whether it's a make-or-break year for me.

"That's irrelevant - me personally - what's important is this team getting qualification for next year's Euros."

England are third in their group and travel to Israel and play Andorra in Spain next month in two crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers next month.

McClaren has drafted in some new faces to his squad to freshen it up with Joey Barton, Jonathan Woodgate, Kieron Dyer and Gareth Barry coming in.

McClaren said: "The new players have certainly lifted the atmosphere, they have perked everybody up a little bit.

"I wouldn't say the training has been any keener but off the pitch they've had a positive effect on the boys."

Woodgate and Dyer will start at Old Trafford, with Ben Foster in goal for his first appearance in an England shirt.

McClaren added: "It's a big night for everyone - for Ben, for Kieron, for Jonathan, for all of us. It's a big year and it starts here.

I've always admired Jonathan, he's a very good defender and he's been a revelation since he came back to the Premier League.

"Ben will play to get the experience and that will be great for him. None of the other keepers have got the experience of Paul Robinson at the moment.

"Kieron's performances for Newcastle since he returned from injury have been full of maturity and I'm looking forward to him showing that against Spain."

McClaren knows England face a very good side on Wednesday and admits they must do better than the last time the teams met, when Spain won 1-0 in Madrid two years ago.

He said: "I was in the Bernabeu for the last game and I remember that we just could not get the ball off them.

"This time, we have to make sure it's our day. We have to pressurise them and make sure they don't get any time on the ball."

From : BBC Sport