Dyer And Parker Get England Call

Last updated : 17 March 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Steve McClaren is convinced the return of Owen Hargreaves can help trigger a much-needed return to form for England in Israel next week. England look to become only the second country to win in Israel in seven years.

After emerging as a key member of the England squad during the World Cup, Hargreaves played the opening three games of McClaren's reign but has been missing since after suffering a broken leg on club duty with Bayern Munich.

McClaren: "We saw the importance of Owen at the World Cup. In our first three games, he was the catalyst for our performances because he allowed Gerrard and Lampard more freedom to express themselves.

"We have missed that since he has been injured.

"I saw him playing against Real Madrid last week and now he has had two more games under his belt, he should be in far better condition.

"I am delighted for the team and the squad that he is back in.

"Obviously we have a problem at left-back and a lot of names were being bandied about but this is a big, important game and I feel it is a game for experience.

"We have been in this situation many times before. I have been involved with this squad for five years now and we have had bad results in every qualification.

"This is the time when the big players have to step forward. We have done it before. We are good enough to do it again. We have to go out and prove it."

ENGLAND: Robinson (Tottenham), Foster (Man Utd, on loan at Watford), Carson (Liverpool, on loan at Charlton), Neville (Man Utd), Richards (Man City), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Terry (Chelsea, capt), Woodgate (Real Madrid, on loan at Middlesbrough), Carragher (Liverpool), A Cole (Chelsea), P Neville (Everton), Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Lampard (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Parker (Newcastle), Carrick (Man Utd), Dyer (Newcastle), Downing (Middlesbrough), Johnson (Everton), Rooney (Man Utd), Defoe (Tottenham), Bent (Charlton).