McClaren - Germany game is preparation - Sport in brief

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.

McClaren will be unable to call on Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves, Sol Campbell, Darren Bent and latest casualty, Andrew Johnson for the clash with England's old rivals after his 28 man strong squad has been depleted by injuries.

"This is pure preparation but we're taking it seriously," said McClaren. "We're looking forward to the game."

The England coach already had a couple of selection headaches to overcome ahead of the crunch Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia next month, which striker Wayne Rooney will miss because of his fractured left foot while Peter Crouch must serve a one-match ban.

And McClaren said in a press conference on Tuesday: "It's an important game also in terms of preparation, we have the qualifiers in three weeks which are really big games we need to win.

"It has been normal preparation for an England friendly.

"The players had three Premier League games last week, this will be their fourth in 10 days. You get knocks and niggles and we got that. We had to liaise with the clubs and medical staff.

"It's not been ideal but ask any international manager, no preparation is ideal. I know the Germans have got injuries."

The England manager rejected suggestions the game might be a waste of time with so many players missing through injury.

He added: "Many people have said about the game 'is it worth it?' Of course it is. I'm getting the squad together, the two days we have had together have been very productive. We're getting England back on the agenda which is the most important thing."