McClaren calls for action
Former England boss wants FA to back vision
By James Pearson Last updated: 7th May 2008
McClaren: Calls for action
Former England coach Steve McClaren has called on the Football Association to back up their four-year vision with action.
The FA unveiled its strategic plan for the future on Tuesday by stating they wanted to see Fabio Capello's side reach either the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup or the last four of the European championship in 2012.
McClaren, who agrees with the vision, believes that unless the resources are made available, the targets of making England a force in world football will ultimately fail.
England missed out on a place in Euro 2008 this summer after McClaren's side failed to secure the draw they needed at home to Croatia in their final qualifier.
"It's alright having a vision. It's alright shouting a vision. It's alright shouting we're going to do this and that and these are the targets we are going to go for," he told Sky Sports News.
Action
"You have to back that up by action. You have to back that up by resources. The people are the sharp end, the coaches, the managers, at every level.
"I'm not just talking about Capello at the top level, but also underneath that. National coaches below that, at Under-21 level, Under-19s, Under-17s, whatever level.
"Give them the backing, give them the resources that help them to do the job to develop our players to make sure that we once again become one of the big world forces in world football.
"It's do-able, but it's time for action. It's great the vision. I quite agree with it. I quite agree with looking at our game on a whole.
"They come and they've got Burton going, which is tremendous. Backed (Trevor) Brooking at grass roots level, which is tremendous. Backing the national team at the top level, which is tremendous.
"They've got to back that up with action now and make sure it's not just about words."
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