Gerrard calls for continuity

Midfielder reiterates support for McClaren

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 14th November 2007

England training Steven Gerrard

Gerrard: Backing boss

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Steven Gerrard has reiterated his support for under-fire England manager Steve McClaren.

The midfielder is set to skipper England for Friday's friendly with Austria and next Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia in the absence of injured captain John Terry.

England's hopes of Euro 2008 qualification rests in the hands of others following defeat to Russia in Moscow last month and McClaren has received heavy criticism.

McClaren's side must hope Israel can record a positive result against Russia on Saturday and then target a win against Croatia at Wembley.

Change

But Gerrard has called for 'continuity' in England's management even if they fail to progress to next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland.

"No. Not necessarily," Gerrard told a press conference on Sky Sports News when asked about a change in management should England not qualify for Euro 2008.

"I'm backing Steve McClaren, it's as simple as that. He is a good manager as far as I'm concerned.

"There's no point changing the manager every six months or every year. You need continuity.

Faith

"I've got a lot of faith in the manager. I've enjoyed working with him so far and speaking to the other players I'm sure they feel the same.

"We've been moving forward in the right direction. I think results of late have been really positive.

"We didn't get the result we wanted in Russia, but we feel it was a really positive performance."