Lennon must wait patiently in the wings

Last updated : 31 August 2006 By SpursMAD

In his first game as England boss Steve McClaren hinted with his team selection that he would structure the midfield in order to include both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

Stewart Dowing came in on the left to replace Lampard's injured Chelsea teammate Joe Cole. Owen Hargreaves had no competition for the holding midfield role because Michael Carrick was also sidelined.

McClaren said: "The chat I had with (Liverpool boss) Rafa Benitez affected the position Steven Gerrard played. Liverpool have got the best out of him and so I had to put him in a position in which he was comfortable and could perform at his best."

"I had a good chat with (Chelsea boss) Jose Mourinho about how having a team ethic is the most important thing to aim at. Since he came to this country, that's all he's talked about, the team ethic and the work ethic of the players."

Gerrard said: "We have had a meeting with Steve McClaren and he has said he wants a club-style atmosphere in the England squad."

"I think that was highlighted in the friendly against Greece, but that was just one game. It was the first under the new staff and it was important we put in a good performance and we did that."

"I really enjoyed the last game. We destroyed Greece in the first half when we went 4-0 up and I enjoyed the role I was asked to play."

"It allowed me to take the shackles off and get forward. It is the same role I played for my club which I have enjoyed playing in for a number of years."

"I have had quite a few one-to-one chats with Steve."

Source: TheFA.com