FROM THE stands to the stud-wearers, involvement with England is requiring an effort of will. Whether it is the humdrum chore of dispensing with cannon fodder, gritting teeth for a trip that could offer embarrassment and spite, or casting aside bitter memories of Gelsenkirchen, there is more to endure than enjoy, despite the positive start made by Steve McClaren, the head coach.
Described by John Terry as “definitely the easiest game” of his international career, Andorra represented trial by concentration. Sleep must have beckoned. “It was totally different to what I’m used to,” the England captain said. “Me and Wes (Brown) were 15 yards inside their half, which is unheard of at this level.” It did not make for compulsive viewing.
Wednesday’s match will provide a different test, but the challenge will remain a psychological one. Ranked No 67 in the world to Andorra’s No 132, Macedonia will not rival England’s talent, but they have caused enough discomfort in recent meetings for McClaren to understand that mental fortitude will be just as necessary as physical strength. These are not matches designed to be lingered over.
Four years ago, Artim Sakiri scored from a corner, Macedonia left Southampton with a 2-2 draw and David Seaman never represented his country again. The next year, in Skopje, an error by Sol Campbell meant an early deficit for England and while they recovered to escape with a 2-1 victory, relief was balanced by racial slurs and the torching of a Union Jack.
“Macedonia is a hostile place to go and their fans will be up for it,” Terry said. “It was unpleasant to hear the racial abuse last time. We’ll shut that out because half of our team are black, half of the team are white and when we go out there we know we’ve got the support of each other and our fans. It’s an away game and it’s time for us to show some resilience.”
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The notion applies to Ashley Cole in particular. After the protracted saga of his contentious transfer from Arsenal to Chelsea, the defender has had his motives, decision and integrity questioned. Whatever transpires over the next few days, the 25-year-old can expect more rancour when hostilities are renewed in the Barclays Premiership, although his England team-mates view him as a sturdy character.
“He’s strong enough to deal with what’s thrown at him,” Frank Lampard said. “Even now, people have been giving him stick, but he’s stayed very strong mentally. Whenever I’ve seen him and talked to him about things, he’s been very focused on what he wants to do. He’s played at the top level for Arsenal and England for a long time now and he’ll have no problems with coming to play for Chelsea.
“Ashley is a very good player. He’s one of the best left backs in the world, if not the best. Playing for us [Chelsea], you have to be of a very high standard and Ashley’s standards are as high as they come. It’ll help playing with him week in, week out. You get to know little things about each other’s games and we’ll try to bring a bit of Chelsea to England. I’m looking forward to reading his book, too — I’m sure there’ll be a few interesting bits in it.”
McClaren is hoping that Rio Ferdinand’s toe injury will have healed sufficiently for him to participate in training before the squad’s departure for Skopje and other positive tidings include the form of Owen Hargreaves and Steven Gerrard, who will earn his 50th cap against Macedonia. Courtesy of injury, the landmark is belated.
“In the last two games Stevie has played for England like he plays for Liverpool,” Lampard said. “He’s off the leash playing in that position wide on the right and he’s showing all the qualities we know he’s got.”