Rugby can inspire us, says McClaren

The England manager intends to use the spectacular recovery of England's rugby squad to help motivate his team in the build-up to the European Championship qualifiers against Estonia on Saturday and Russia next Wednesday.

Dismissed as rugby's 50-1 no-hopers after their 36-0 defeat to South Africa, England beat Australia 12-10 to clinch a World Cup semi-final against France on Saturday.

"I shall be sending the rugby boys very best wishes on behalf of the squad," said McClaren. "I've been thrilled by the way they have overcome adversity to reach the last four of the tournament.

"It's a great achievement. They've made it clear that they are not going to surrender their world title without a fight.

"That's what has been impressive and that's what I intend to point out to my players. Although heavily beaten by South Africa, they recovered from that because they believed they could do it.

"They've demonstrated great team spirit and mental strength - the same qualities we need in football. They've shown that you can turn things round, even when some might think you can't. Every English person has to be inspired by that kind of belief. It's an example we need to follow.

"When it mattered most, the rugby players showed they were strong enough to overcome the challenges and they did it in a physical sport without losing their discipline. That's something else that has impressed me.

"Discipline is essential at the highest levels in sport, and rugby provides the classic example of the value of self-control. I've told my players that it's imperative that we retain our discipline and self-control. That, for me, is a key issue. One tiny loss of discipline, one red card, can cost you a result."

McClaren has four important players - John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Joe Cole - just one booking away from a suspension and this fact will influence his team selection for Saturday's game against Estonia.

He would not want to lose any of them, particularly not the defenders, for the more difficult game on the plastic surface in Moscow on Wednesday.

"But we mustn't lose sight of the fact that the first task is to beat Estonia," said McClaren. "We have to ensure that we don't slip up against them. I've told the players to forget about Russia. We won't talk about them until the final whistle is blown at the end of the Estonia match."

McClaren is mindful of a similar scenario last October when a trip to Croatia followed a home game against Macedonia at Old Trafford. England were woeful against Macedonia, drawing 0-0, and four days later lost 2-0 in Zagreb, results that seriously jeopardised qualification hopes. Steven Gerrard was an absentee from the team in Croatia, having been suspended following his booking against Macedonia.

"We've learned from the experience last year," said the England manager. "We've learned to concentrate on one game at a time."

McClaren's preference must be to play in Moscow with most of the team that secured 3-0 wins over Israel and Russia at Wembley. "We found a blend and balance and won our recent games because of that," he said.

Emile Heskey is absent with injury but the other 10 players who started those matches are available. Wayne Rooney is certain to replace Heskey alongside Michael Owen and, despite errors for Spurs, Paul Robinson will retain his place in goal.

"You have to show faith and belief in your players if they have performed well for you in the past," said McClaren.

Sol Campbell and Alan Smith, who both received treatment for injuries yesterday, were expected to resume training today.