Will McClaren be on his bike?... Not even even if we fail, says Steve
Steve McClaren last night claimed he will be spared the sack even if England fail to qualify for Euro 2008.
Although he was offered no assurances about his job during talks with FA chief executive Brian Barwick this week, England's beleaguered head coach believes he will survive.
On his bike? McClaren in Vienna
McClaren, who will hand goalkeeper Scott Carson his first start and has recalled David Beckham and Frank Lampard for tonight's friendly against Austria, also believes he has the full support of his squad as he enters the crucial six days that will shape England's future.
Realistically, England need Russia to fail to win in Israel tomorrow and then must beat Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday to qualify for Euro 2008.
McClaren said: 'Brian Barwick and I had a nice chat about the week, about business and about certain meetings we have had before, but it wasn't about my job. I believe I will survive.
'I've come through adversity in the past and I believe I will again. The support from the players has been fantastic, but it's about what we do on the field. Qualifying, ultimately, is my responsibility.
'I've always believed that the Croatia game would be the crunch game and I still believe that.
'I expect Israel to get a result. We're in a period of uncertainty but we will know a lot more after Saturday night. I'm sure the FA will make a statement when they feel it's necessary to do that.'
That statement may come as early as Thursday if England fail to qualify for their first major tournament since the 1994 World Cup.
Carson will start in goal tonight, but Robinson is expected to play on Wednesday. Beckham returns on the right of midfield at the expense of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Lampard comes in for Gareth Barry.
McClaren added: 'This is a friendly and we're looking at one or two things. I want to have a look at Steven Gerrard and Lampard together again.'
