England boss Steve McClaren has resorted to scouring the Premiership mid-table and the SPL as he aims to get his prima donnas’ faltering Euro 2008 qualification campaign back on track. It is reported McClaren will be asking several squad members to turn the other cheek to Joey Barton. The Manchester City midfielder criticised England players for the number of books released following their poor showing at the World Cup.
Barton is expected to be named in the squad for the friendly against Spain in February. McClaren is also keeping an eye on Celtic left-back Lee Naylor. The former Wolves defender is vying with Leighton Baines to be preferred cover for Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge.
McClaren said: "We have a core of about 15 players but we’ve identified 50 in the Premiership who we’re going to concentrate on. They will all have an opportunity but, by the end of the season we will bring that down to a more manageable number. That will be the squad for the push for qualification to Euro 2008."
[Rob Parker]