Richards backing McClaren

Richards, 19, one of England's brightest hopes at either full back or centre half, admits England became "a bit lazy" during the few minutes of madness that allowed the Russians to come from behind and snatch a 2-1 win on the controversial plastic pitch in Moscow.

But he told BBC Radio Five's Sportsweek programme: "We just have to put that behind us now and hopefully beat Croatia at home. We are 100 per cent behind the manager. He's had a lot of injuries and always picks what he thinks is his strongest team."

He added: "We can't do anything about Russia going to Israel but they are very hard to break down especially at home with 11 men behind the ball. Anything can happen.

"Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose but he always stands up and takes the criticism and doesn't blame the players even though we should all share it.

"And players do care. We are always proud to pull on the shirt and always up for the game when we go out and cross that white line."

Russia boss Guus Hiddink said England defended too deep after going in front but Richards said: "We didn't intend to do that, it was the football Russia played that pushed us back.

"We missed a few chances but it was just a spell of about five minutes where we got a bit lazy and lost concentration."

Richards' meteoric rise to international fame has brought attention from Liverpool and Chelsea and he has also said he would one day relish playing for his boyhood idols Arsenal. But he insists he is still fully committed to Manchester City and has been impressed by former Sven-Goran Eriksson's early success at the club.

He said: "I'm not established yet with England but I really enjoy playing and I know I have a lot to learn. It is amazing what Sven has done. He's had money to spend and has bought the right players."