Venables: 'McClaren should stay on'

Terry Venables believes Steve McClaren should remain England boss even if his men fail to qualify for Euro 2008.

McClaren's assistant Venables has claimed that the former Middlesbrough manager has been "rocked by the criticism" in the wake of England's 2-1 defeat in Russia which has taken qualification for next summer's finals in Switzerland and Austria out of their own hands.

McClaren and his men are relying on either Russia dropping points in Israel or Andorra or Group E leaders Croatia losing in Macedonia as well as at Wembley on November 21.

And Venables said: "I think Steve knows himself we were a little bit late starting off, but we got there - we were a fraction away.

"I do believe the improvement is worth a little more patience. You don't tear the paper up and start all over again.

"You say 'we're on to something here - let's pursue this and not start all over again and have another trek to look for someone else who has to start again as well.' Have some belief."

He added: "Criticism goes with the territory. That maybe hit him (McClaren). When things hit you like that, you are numbed, you are rocked. I cannot stand up and say it has been brilliant from day one because it hasn't.

"There are no favours from anyone so when things are hot and problematic you have got to keep a cool head.

"But we have been playing some good football that players and supporters have been enjoying.

"We just did not win the game we wanted (against Russia) and it is in the lap of the gods to see if we get another opportunity."

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