In Other News..

Steve McClaren demands England passion.

The story was emailed to me with the following comment appended:

Well, you wouldn’t want a team consisting of players, with, say, skill now would you?

Arrgggghhhh!

It’s been said elsewhere that McClaren’s words indicate his intention to grind out a draw (if you’ve read my preview, you’ll know I think he’s going to be disappointed if that’s the case). Judge for yourselves. What intent lies behind these words?

“We’re looking for pride, passion, attitude and character and I’ll be picking a team that epitomises that.”

Spin, perhaps? Rather than defeatism?