England to "set standard" against Germany
McClaren is hoping for a good performance against Germany
Tuesday, 21, Aug 2007 05:10
England head coach Steve McClaren says he expects the performance of his side in tomorrow's friendly against Germany to "set the standard" for the crucial European Championship qualifiers next month.
The match, which takes place at the new Wembley Stadium tomorrow evening, is an early-season international friendly but one which McClaren believes is important for the preparation ahead of two crucial matches in England's Euro 2008 campaign.
Israel and Russia both travel to north-west London to take on McClaren's men in what are effectively two must-win games if the Three Lions are to stay on the right track for the finals in Austria and Switzerland next summer.
"It's important to get the squad together," McClaren said.
"We've had meetings with the players and set the agenda, not just for Wednesday night against Germany but also for those crucial European qualifiers in September."
"There has been quite a gap since we played Brazil and Estonia and we're just reminding the players how good their performances were and how we set the standard. Now we have to make sure we uphold those standards."
McClaren added that he expects his players "to have England at the forefront of the minds" as they look to move up from fourth place in the group to occupy one of the top two positions that will see them qualify for next summer's big event.
And captain John Terry said the players would be treating the Germany match as "more than a friendly".
"It's important that we get a clean bill of health but also that the preparation is right for this game and for next month," he explained.
"Not only are we preparing for the game tomorrow but getting the focus right for the qualifying games against Israel and Russia."
And Terry also said there would be no thoughts of club allegiances or rivalries during the week.
"As a group of players and professionals we need to have good focus," he added.
"It's all about England when we're here."