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McClaren demands England passion Terry to issue England battle cry
(about 14 hours later)
Steve McClaren has called for England's players to prove their "pride and passion" when they take on Croatia in Zagreb on Wednesday. England skipper John Terry has promised to make a speech to his players ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier with 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. Terry's team were held to a goalless draw at home to Macedonia on Saturday and the skipper said: "I am going to give a speech before Wednesday's game.
"What is in it is between me and the players, but it will be similar to something like `stand up and counted'.
"I'll be doing it in the dressing room before the game."
News conference: England coach Steve McClaren Interview: England captain John Terry
Terry, who was made skipper when Steve McClaren took over as coach in August, added: "I want to give it. We did it for the first couple of games under the boss, but it has stopped for the last couple of matches."
Croatia have never lost a competitive match in Zagreb but Terry added: "We feel this sort of game will bring the best out of us.
We're looking for pride, passion, attitude and character England coach Steve McClaren
"We've watched a couple of videos of Croatia. they are the sort of team who like to get at you rather than sit back - which is what we've experienced the last few games.
"With them coming forward, that's going to open up doors and alleys for us to break them down.
"I will be pumped up, and so will the other lads. It is a difficult place to come, but we are ready for the game."
Coach McClaren has called for England's players to prove their "pride and passion" in the match.
"The sign of a good team is the reaction after a disappointing result," said McClaren, who saw his team drop their first points of the campaign against Macedonia at Old Trafford.
"The reaction has to be positive. That's what I'm looking for."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.""We're looking for pride, passion, attitude and character and I'll be picking a team that epitomises that."
onClick="javascript:launchAVConsoleStory('6038474'); return false;" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/video_and_audio/help_guide/4304501.stm">News conference: England coach Steve McClaren onClick="javascript:launchAVConsoleStory('6038502'); return false;" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/video_and_audio/help_guide/4304501.stm">Interview: England captain John Terry 606 VIEW class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A16089861?s_fromedit=1">No urgency. No passion. No penetration. No craft. Now where have we seen that before? Phil M, BBC Sport class="" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/606/default.stm">606: Have your say
McClaren said he already knows his team, providing "one or two niggles" clear up.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.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 has really impressed me in training this week," he said. "He has come on and matured in the last couple of years.
We have come here for three points England captain John Terry
"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.""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.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.
606 VIEW No urgency. No passion. No penetration. No craft. Now where have we seen that before? Phil M, BBC Sport 606: Have your say
"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."