McClaren is also upset by criticism of Paul Robinson

Steve McClaren has accused the media of trying to create divisions in the England camp with suggestions he is at odds with assistant Terry Venables.

McClaren and Venables appeared to contradict each other over the reasons for dropping Stewart Downing for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.

But the England coach hit back: "This is getting out of hand. I won't answer any more questions on Stewart Downing.

"Why are you trying to separate players and myself and even the staff?"

Interview: England goalkeepeing coach Ray Clemence

News conference: England boss Steve McClaren

In his Sunday newspaper column, Venables said Downing was dropped because his confidence was destroyed by criticism in the media after his performance in the 0-0 draw with Macedonia.

However, Downing said he was told by McClaren the decision was purely tactical.

The England boss insisted he had not read Venables' column and added: "It's a private matter between me and Stewart. We've drawn a line under it."

And England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence insisted McClaren and Venables are "working very well together".

He said: "It is always interesting to see how they exchange ideas."

McClaren was also upset by criticism of Paul Robinson after the goalkeeper miskicked a Gary Neville backpass to gift Croatia their second goal in the defeat in Zagreb.

"The criticism Paul Robinson received was ridiculous," said McClaren.

"He was 90 minutes away from breaking Gordon Banks' record of clean sheets then gets personal criticism I found totally out of order.