Concerns for McClaren

Mac disappointed with parts of performance

By Andrew Scurr   Last updated: 23rd August 2007  

Concerns for McClaren

McClaren: Concerns

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Steve McClaren admitted concerns over England's finishing after his side lost 2-1 in a friendly against Germany.

Frank Lampard fired England into an early lead but a Paul Robinson error gifted Kevin Kuranyi the equaliser and Christian Pander scored a sublime winner before the break.

McClaren was pleased with aspects of England's performance, but knows his players must improve in front of goal in the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.

England play Israel and Russia next month and the coach will be looking for improvements at both ends of the pitch ahead of the crucial Group E matches.

"We had a great first 20 minutes where we deserved the goal then we had a ten-minute spell where what disappointed me was the way we defended for the two goals," he told Sky Sports.

"We came back well, showed a good attitude and had chances in the second half and we've got to convert them because if you don't you end up losing football matches.

"We're pleased with aspects of our play, disappointed with our finishing and the two goals.

"Some of our attacking play was very good, some of the individual performances (were excellent) and in general we played good football."

McClaren praised the performances of Lampard and Micah Richards, who linked up for the first goal at Wembley.

Impressed

"I thought Lampard was excellent tonight, covered every blade of grass, was creative, defended and was very good for us," he said.

"Micah, we wanted him to get by Becks and wanted him to be positive and get in the box and he did that and he created the goal for us."

Disappointed

But on Robinson, McClaren added: "He's disappointed, all goalkeepers are disappointed when they concede, especially to an error.

"He's got to bounce back from that, he's had disappointments before and he's got to get on with it and make sure he gets his form."