FA insist no summons for McClaren

14 April 2012

The Football Association's International Committee have rejected reports they have summoned beleaguered England boss Steve McClaren to a meeting to explain dismal recent performances.

McClaren has faced calls for his dismissal in the wake of Saturday's goalless draw with Israel and speculation has arisen that figures on the influential 11-man committee want to get rid of the former Middlesbrough manager.

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'ammer Andorra: McClaren (left) expects more from Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney

However, in a statement released from Barcelona, where England will tackle Group E minnows Andorra in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign tomorrow night, chairman Noel White and vice-chairman Sir David Richards have expressed their backing for McClaren.

"It is very disappointing to see reports today that we have or will 'summon' Steve McClaren to explain himself to the International Committee when we return to England," said the statement.

"At a time when we are giving our full support to Steve and the England team ahead of tomorrow night's game with Andorra, these stories are very unhelpful."

The support of White and Richards, plus FA chief executive Brian Barwick, is seen as crucial to McClaren's hopes of keeping his job.

Although McClaren came out fighting in defence of his team yesterday it has not prevented him from being lampooned by the media, with many fans also now in open revolt.

After five games without a win McClaren knows anything other than victory in the Montjuic Olympic Stadium tomorrow will almost certainly cost him his job.

However, against a nation who have yet to claim a point and with a population of around 70,000, such a scenario appears unthinkable.

Instead, it is becoming increasingly clear McClaren will be given the remainder of the qualifying campaign to prove his worth, with the two autumn clashes against Guus Hiddink's Russia vital to England's chances of making it to the finals in Austria and Switzerland next year.

McClaren will be required to attend a debrief when the International Committee meets next month, although White and Richards have insisted there is nothing unusual in that.

"As the senior members of the committee, we can confirm that Steve, as normal, will attend the next international committee meeting as he and every England manager always has," said the pair in their statement.

"There is nothing out of the ordinary with this. It is routine.

"We have been with the squad throughout the past week and it is obvious to us just how hard Steve and his coaching staff are working to get results.

"We would once again like to offer our full support to Steve and all the team."

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