England boss McClaren ready to axe Beckham and Robinson for Croatia clash

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The controversial move would mean Chelsea's Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aston Villa's Scott Carson starting tomorrow night's crunch Euro 2008 qualifying match against Croatia at Wembley.

Robinson out to impress in England training

If reports coming out of the England camp are true it flies in the face of what McClaren had hinted at earlier in the day.

At a press conference after training, in which John Terry took part, even though he will not play McClaren said: "We are having no doubts that we are going to do the job tomorrow and take the team forward and get even better.

"I think experience of these occasions is key to everything."

McClaren looks set to play with a fiveman midfield with Gareth Barry playing in a holding role.

Carson will win only his second cap and would be a major gamble coming in for Robinson who has kept nine clean sheets in qualifying so far.

McClaren added: "You can have the innocence of youth and the character to take that through, but experience is a key thing in big games.

"Not just playing, but also on the bench and being around the team. We have got enough of that."

Beckham looks for a sign from England boss

McClaren would not rule out springing a surprise in his team selection and said he understood why public support for Robinson and Beckham has wavered in recent times.

He said: "I know the team. It is my job is to prepare them, and it has been made even more difficult by the injuries of the last few weeks.

"I am not revealing the side or giving any clues. The players might have an idea but they won't know until 6.30 tonight."

Whoever he picks will get the benefit of Terry's input and experience.

Terry joins in but he will not play

The Chelsea defender, who was injured on England duty in Russia last month, could be back for his club in the next week. But he will have to make do with a supporting role at Wembley.

McClaren said: "It was fantastic to have John out there training today. Although he is not fit to play, it is great to have him around.

"There is already a jolliness and uplift from his presence.

"He will be around the team and do his usual thing as if he is playing."