McClaren challenges Woodgate to prove fitness
International recall beckons for Jonathan Woodgate
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Monday, 02, Oct 2006 05:23
Steve McClaren has told Jonathan Woodgate that an international recall beckons if he can maintain his recent fine form and continue to stave off injury.
The England coach revealed that injury-jinxed Woodgate, currently impressing on loan from Real Madrid at McClaren's former club Middlesbrough, only narrowly missed out on a place in the squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against FYR Macedonia and Croatia.
But the door is still very much open for the former Leeds and Newcastle player, McClaren insists, despite the challenges presented by Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher and Ledley King for the right to partner skipper John Terry at the back.
"He was very close to this squad and he's one who we are looking at," explained McClaren.
"He has a good opportunity at Middlesbrough. It's his hometown and he's playing well at the moment. But his games have been limited and he has to build up that kind of fitness over a season."
Five-cap Woodgate, 26, last featured for England in March 2004 but widespread calls have been made for him to earn a recall, as there have been with Everton's in-form hitman Andrew Johnson.
McClaren added this has not escaped his notice either and that Johnson, the Premiership's top scorer with six goals, could force his way into the starting line-up.
"When you look at the strikers, Jermain [Defoe] has come in and done very well when he's played with Peter Crouch. But for me Andy Johnson is the one who is really coming through," he said.
"He's got his head at Everton. I thought it was a terrific signing. He's blossoming. He's started the season well. I've seen him two or three times and he's really impressed me with his work ethic and the way he works for the team.
"He's really pushing the strikers very hard. He deserves his place in the squad and he's knocking on the door to get in the team."