McLaren calls on spirit

Steve McLaren has called on the same team spirit that helped England battle through to qualify in Turkey in 2004, to help pull this current England side in the tough battle at the Luzhniki stadium in England's quest for Euro 2008 qualification.

McLaren said to Sky Sports News: "We know this is one of the crunch games - and if we can get the result here we know where that can take us."

He added: "We need organisation and discipline but we need inspiration and heroics - the kind of performances we've had from previous England teams in Istanbul (in 2003) and Rome (in 1998), and we had from the rugby team in Paris at the weekend."

Amidst speculation that Joleon Lescott will start for England in place of Ashley Cole, McLaren explained: "I can't name the team or formation. I've decided, but the team won't be confirmed until later on this evening to the players.

"Joleon, Nicky or Phil - I've every confidence in whoever it is who replaces Ashley to do the job."