However, the main talking point was a rumour McClaren had a bust up with Wayne Rooney, saying the Manchester United striker has not played well for England for three years.Kieron To Benefit From England Disaster?
However, the main talking point was a rumour McClaren had a bust up with Wayne Rooney, saying the Manchester United striker has not played well for England for three years.McClaren is adamant there is "no rift", despite Rooney looking frustrated during the Tel Aviv clash, and appearing to be close to boiling point and red card.
McClaren: "Why did I single out Rooney for criticism? I didn't say I did. I don't know where you are getting that from. I really don't. I didn't single out anyone.
"What goes on in a dressing room is private. I'll never criticise a player outside of the dressing room. I might inside. Whatever happens after a game, there was no rift between me and Rooney, absolute load of rubbish.
"Whatever was said in that dressing room was done respectfully and professionally. In fact, myself and Wayne have one of the best relationships of a player and coach because I've worked with him for many years.
"Why is he not playing well? Everyone can do better. I am not singling out one player. We all know what Wayne Rooney is and what he can be.
"These players do live on the edge. Someone said Wayne scored five goals against Bolton this season. We were playing Israel, not Bolton.
"It is different. It always happens like that. All the top players are on the edge. Wayne Rooney knows what to do.
"The concern is overall from everybody that we are not scoring enough goals. That's the concern. You can pick out individuals. I'm not going to.
"My job is to make sure we score and yes that is a concern. We had 17 chances, nine of them on target. If I play every game with that ratio of chances away from home, I'll be happy.
"There is nothing radical that needs doing apart from sticking the ball in the net. That's not radical."