Sky Sports.com

McClaren: Rallying call

Related links

News

• Boss relishes pressure
• Terry blow for England
• Terry wants boos to stop
• Hiddink: Let's get serious
• Venables: No excuses
• Gerrard rallies England
• Cole dismisses pitch concerns

Preview

• Russia v England preview

Report

• Three Lions tamed in Moscow

Teams

• England

Also see

• Terry set for Russia
• Rio's dream
• Euro 2008 tables
• Watch England on the move

Steve McClaren is confident England can defeat Russia on Wednesday and clinch qualification for Euro 2008.

The England manager is wary of the threat posed by Russia but feels his side are in top form following five consecutive wins in Group E.

Collecting three more points in Moscow would guarantee England a place in next summer's finals, and McClaren insists his players have come to finish the job.

"We're confident, we've got belief, and we've got to go into this game knowing that we can win it," he told

"There are so many permeations and issues around the game but we've just got to focus on ourselves. We've got great respect for Russia but it's about what we do, having the shape and discipline to carry out the job.

"Four or five games ago people were doubting we'd be in this position, but we come here in a good position. We know that a draw would be a good result, but we're looking to win.

"Yes we respect Russia and they are capable of winning games, but the way we are playing we should be okay.

"The players are focused and ready. The past five games have put us in a great position and we've got to make sure we finish the job."

Heroes

McClaren accepts that it will take an immense effort to win in Russia, but is drawing inspiration from past performances and from England's run to the final of the rugby union World Cup final.

He said: "We know that this is one of the crunch games. The kind of performance we need is going to be one of organisation and discipline, but we also need heroics and inspiration.

"We need the sort of performance we've had from England teams in Istanbul or Rome, or the rugby team in Paris at the weekend.

"That's the kind of spirit we've got and the kind of spirit we need to show."

The artificial surface awaiting England at Luzhniki Stadium has attracted a lot of attention but McClaren has once again stressed that it will not be a major factor.

"Sometimes you play on rock hard pitches and sometimes you play in six inches of rain, so whatever happens there is always a disadvantage for the away team.

"The pressure on Russia is huge but we have to go there and cope with that.

"But I've always said that whatever surface a footballer plays on, as long as he's a good footballer, he'll be able to play on it."

No clues on starting line-up

Joleon Lescott is expected to get the nod ahead of Nicky Shorey and Phil Neville to start at left-back in the absence of Ashley Cole, while Gareth Barry has been tipped to keep out Frank Lampard in the centre of midfield.

But McClaren has refused to confirm his team or formation, saying only that it will be a huge boost to have John Terry back from a knee injury.

"He trained yesterday, came through the session with no problems, and as long as there is no reaction he'll play tomorrow," said McClaren.

"It is massive because on Thursday he had no chance and then he was very doubtful, but that is John Terry and it is a great bonus for the team.

"I can't name the team or the formation, but what I can say is that we have come here to win the game.

"It is a big blow losing Ashley but I have every confidence in Joleon Lescott, Nicky Shorey and Phil Neville, whoever it is."