England boss defends Viennese waltz

Updated 10.34 Tue Nov 13 2007

Keywords: Russia, Croatia, Euro 2008, sport, football, England, Steve McClaren, Austria, Rio Ferdinand, Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott, Sol Campbell

Steve McClaren has defended England's friendly in Austria ahead of their must-win Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.

McClaren knows that England's clash with Slaven Bilic's men at Wembley next Wednesday could be rendered meaningless if Israel fail to deny Group E rivals Russia three points on Saturday.

"It would also be good to make sure the ten days is not solely focused on Croatia" - Steve McClaren

But the under-pressure England boss believes Friday night's clash with Josef Hickersberger's side in Vienna is necessary to deflect attention away from the Croatia game.

He said: "The game is there for two reasons. Firstly, we needed some kind of preparation for Croatia, so we had a chance to look at a few things.

"Also, if we do have players like David Beckham and Ashley Cole, or others who have not played all that often for their clubs, it is an opportunity to give them a game.

"It would also be good to make sure the ten days is not solely focused on Croatia. Nevertheless, I wouldn't say what we do on Friday will definitely be what we do on Wednesday."

With Rio Ferdinand suspended and captain John Terry still recovering from a knee injury, McClaren must consider his central defensive pairings.

And the former Middlesbrough boss is refusing to rule out deploying Manchester City young star Micah Richards alongside Sol Campbell.

However, Joleon Lescott could have played his way into the reckoning having kept Didier Drogba at bay as Everton claimed a 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Sunday.