McClaren ready to over-rule Rafa

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Liverpool boss Benitez does not want Gerard - who is currently recovering from a broken toe sustained in Toulouse last month - to be given an injection to get him through Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier.

But McClaren said: "We'll take whatever action is necessary to get him on that field. We will go a lot on how he feels and what he wants."

McClaren is in daily contact with Benitez and claims the Anfield supremo is 'relaxed' about England's handling of his captain.

The England boss added: "We're leaving it as late as possible but we want Steven on the field and we want him ready to play. We will liaise with Liverpool and we will do nothing to put the player at risk."

In an ideal world, Gerrard would be able to play without medical assistance.

Yet, in this instance, McClaren indicated an injection would have no long-term implications, which ultimately will be the major factor in deciding which course of action to take.

"You look and in some cases, if there's no great risk, then fine," said the England coach. "John Terry and Frank Lampard had broken toes in pre-season and were taking injections and I have known it at club level where it would be just too painful to play (without the injection) but there's no risk of further injury if you have one.

"Steven played with an injection against Chelsea a few weeks ago and I am very, very confident he will be with us on Saturday."