McClaren calls for focus

McClaren is aware much of the attention has turned already to next Wednesday's potentially make-or-break clash with the Russians on an artificial pitch in Moscow.

He told PA Sport: "We have put ourselves in pole position but we have said to the players and the staff 'Forget Russia'. We have got to concentrate on Estonia."

McClaren points to England's goalless draw with Macedonia at Old Trafford 12 months ago as a reminder not to take three points for granted against the minnows.

He added: "We have got to make sure we don't make the mistake we made 12 months ago when we drew at home with Macedonia. That cost us two precious points and we need that positive result against Estonia.

"Russia had to play Macedonia before they played England last month and I noticed their manager (Guus Hiddink) said the focus was on Macedonia and not England.

"That is what I've said to our players. We don't talk about Russia. When the Estonia game is over on Saturday evening, then we will focus on Russia.

"Estonia have got a new coach, a new way of playing, they beat Andorra, drew in Macedonia and only lost 2-0 to Croatia and when we played them, they were really dogged right to the end. We have to treat them with respect - but we also have to take the confidence of the performances and victories against Isreal and Russia last month into these two games."

Frank Lampard has to wait to find out if he will earn an instant recall after his recovery from injury after the form of Gareth Barry in the last two internationals.

McClaren is also keeping his cards close to his chest as to whether he has decided to rest John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Ashley Cole on Saturday as another yellow card would rule them out against the Russians.