Jenas misses England training

Balls up: Rooney is fit to play but Jermaine Jenas missed training
14 April 2012

Midfielder Jermaine Jenas was the only absentee when England held their first public training session ahead of Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier with Macedonia at Old Trafford.

The Tottenham player had taken a knock to his knee in training yesterday but England officials are optimistic he will be able to resume preparations on Thursday.

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The England squad looked in buoyant mood when they were put through their paces at Manchester United's Carrington training complex despite heavy rain.

Scott Parker was relishing the chance to impress as he looked for his first taste of England action since the friendly against Sweden two-and-a-half years ago.

Robson backs 'brave' Venables decision

Meanwhile Former England captain Bryan Robson believes Steve McClaren had to be "brave" to bring Terry Venables onto his coaching staff.

Venables was made assistant to McClaren in August, 10 years after standing down as head coach of the England side he led to the European Championship semi-finals in 1996.

Robson was on Venables' staff with England, and considers it a daring move by McClaren to bring the former national coach back into the set-up.

Many thought his popularity with the public and players, and his standing in the game, would undermine McClaren's authority.

Ahead of Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against FYR Macedonia, Robson told talkSPORT: "Some people say it's not a good decision by Steve McClaren.

"I think it's a terrific appointment because he'll be a major help to Steve. It's a brave decision by Steve because of Terry's reputation.

"But he is a great coach who knows the international scene really well so that can only be good for England."

Robson, 49, is currently out of the game after leaving West Brom last month. He claims it was a rift with chairman Jeremy Peace which forced his exit.

"I don't think I did too much wrong in this job," said Robson, who in his first full season experienced relegation from the Barclays Premiership.

"I think it was more of a personality clash between the chairman and myself and in the end he decided that we needed to part company."

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