Steve McClaren can’t afford any more mistakes. The 23-man squad he’s chosen for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Andorra basically picked itself. Gareth Barry can feel extremely hard done-by to be left out, especially as Ashley Cole is suspended for the game against Israel. But apart from this, McClaren’s selection is pretty much as expected – with no place for Joey Barton (probably in case his shorts once again fall down at an inopportune moment).

Both England and Israel go into the match with seven points from their four games, and are three points behind the Croats, who top Group E. And Russia and Macedonia are also still in the mix. So who should start for England in Tel-Aviv?


GOALKEEPERS - Robinson (Tottenham), Foster (Watford), Carson (Charlton)
McClaren’s already said that Robinson will start against Israel. But for all the “He’s a good shot-stopper” stuff, Robinson is still far too weak on crosses, and has no sort of presence. When have you ever seen him marshalling his defence to any great effect? Two quick examples: Croatia’s opening goal back in October came from Robinson failing to deal with a cross, and eventually getting caught out of position. Remember Sweden’s late equaliser at the World Cup? It wasn’t a vital goal, but again Robinson should have plucked-up the courage to leave his net and claim the long throw.

Meanwhile Foster’s had a great season with Watford, and could well be Manchester United’s first-choice keeper in two years. He should definitely start against Andorra.


DEFENCE - G Neville (Man Utd), Richards (Man City), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Terry (Chelsea), Woodgate (Middlesbrough), Carragher (Liverpool), A Cole (Chelsea), P Neville (Everton)
I am the only person who wants to see Terry stamp his authority on the England defence just as he does at Chelsea? For some reason he is yet to do it. Surely, he can’t be afraid of upsetting a few big egos, can he?

McClaren will go back to 4-4-2 for this match. But Rio Ferdinand is far from certain to play due to a rib injury. With Manchester United playing twice in three days, I’d be amazed if Sir Alex Ferguson lets Ferdinand join-up with England. If – as likely - he’s out then Jamie Carragher or Jonathan Woodgate will step-in. Both have been in great form – who would you choose?

One thing McClaren shouldn’t do in the Israel game is play Carragher at left-back in place of the suspended Ashley Cole. The Liverpool man is a great stopper, but he isn’t used to getting up-and-down the flank, and I can’t ever remember seeing him cross a ball. This is where Barry would have been a decent inclusion, even if he has spent this season in Aston Villa’s midfield. Instead, Phil Neville – who’s also spent this season in the middle of the park for his club – is my preferred choice at left-back, with brother Gary on the opposite flank

MIDFIELD - Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Lampard (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Parker (Newcastle), Carrick (Man Utd), Dyer (Newcastle), Downing
(Middlesbrough)
Now, let us all admit we never thought we’d say: “Welcome back, Owen Hargreaves!”. The World Cup revelation is back playing for Bayern Munich after breaking his leg in September. He should provide the bit in midfield, allowing Frank Lampard to roam forward.
This means Steven Gerrard is likely to find himself back on the right – a position he’s currently playing for Liverpool, but doesn’t seem to stop him making his presence felt all-over the pitch. Now’s his time to do it for England. In a four-man midfield, Stewart Downing is the sensible choice to play on the left.


FORWARDS - Johnson (Everton), Rooney (Man Utd), Defoe (Tottenham), Bent (Charlton)
If fit, Andy Johnson must be given a chance to play, and play in his rightful position. He’s a goalscorer, not a winger, Steve! Wayne Rooney hasn’t scored a competitive goal for England since Euro 2004. Next weekend would be a great time to end that drought.