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McClaren denies player-power jibe England match reaction
(1 day later)
England coach Steve McClaren says there is no chance his players would ever pick the team, ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier against Macedonia. England match reaction to follow later.
At a news conference, McClaren reacted angrily to a suggestion the players had forced him to scrap plans for a 3-5-2.
"The players do not pick the team and I can categorically say that the players did not have a meeting," said McClaren.
Defender Gary Neville added: "We have not had any input on how we will play or what we will do against Macedonia."
Interview: England coach Steve McClaren News conference: England defender Gary Neville
McClaren confirmed he had tried out a 3-5-2 formation in training this week but said he wanted the players to be adaptable during games.
"I, along with the coaches, pick the team, the tactics, the formations and the gameplan," added McClaren.
I am sure Wayne Rooney will explode back to form Steve McClaren
"Yes we will ask the players but you can tell if it flows, if it's cohesive when you are in training and it has been.
"We have to look at different ways of doing things, look at new ideas.
"That may be defending set-pieces, attacking set-pieces, different ways of playing within a 4-4-2 or different formations.
"It's no secret that this week we've had two sessions working on a 3-5-2 using different personnel.
"We may see it this weekend, we may see it on Wednesday, we may see it in the future, who knows?"
Neville is adamant whatever line-up England use at Old Trafford is down to McClaren and his backroom team as they search for a third successive win in their group.
"Of course, we are talking to the manager and the coaches regularly about things which occur in training sessions," he said.
"But, regarding people saying we will influence what system we will play, that isn't happening - and hasn't happened. I don't understand where that has come from."
Meanwhile, McClaren is confident Wayne Rooney will emerge from his dip in form and return to his best in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.
Rooney has been a low-key figure for Manchester United this term, but the 20-year-old will be back in McClaren's starting line-up against Macedonia.
McClaren said: "I am sure Wayne will explode back to form, and let's hope it is on Saturday against Macedonia.
"He is a world-class footballer who, importantly, wants to get better.
"Wayne Rooney will always be under scrutiny in every detail of everything he does. If he mis-controls a ball he will be criticised, but that is just part and parcel of football.
"He has got great strengths and he is a great asset to the team and to the squad."