McClaren wants England's qualifying campaign back on track

England coach Steve McClaren wants his players to use the memory of defeat in Croatia as motivation when they take on Israel in their Euro 2008 qualifier.

McClaren's lost 2-0 to Croatia in October after a poor display and are currently third in the Group E table.

"Yes, the past is motivation. We need to do better and it has to start on Saturday," McClaren said.

"We've moved on from that night in Croatia. There's a real determination among everybody, players and staff."

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McClaren said he was absolutely confident that Preston striker David Nugent, called up as a replacement for the injured Darren Bent, was a valuable addition to the England squad.

David Nugent has been impressive England coach Steve McClaren

With Wayne Rooney, Andrew Johnson and Jermain Defoe available, Nugent is unlikely to become the first player from outside the top flight to play for England since Michael Gray in 1999.

But in overlooking Emile Heskey, James Beattie and Leroy Lita, McClaren has placed a huge amount of faith in the 21-year-old, who has only twice appeared against Premiership opposition.

"David has been impressive and has scored goals at Championship level," said McClaren.

"I have watched him closely and he deserves a chance for us to have a look at him and play a part.

"He has scored for the under-21s as well and I am looking at that level.

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"The under-21s is the second level for the senior team. If they are doing it there and proving it at international level, I will take notice."

Meanwhile, Phil Neville is backing Everton team-mate Johnson to put England's qualifying campaign back on track in Israel.

Johnson is poised to lead England's attack in Tel Aviv on Saturday.

Neville said: "It will be no problem for AJ. He is in great form. He showed that again on Sunday (for Everton) against Arsenal.

"If anyone is going into the game full of confidence, it is Andy Johnson.

"When he was at Crystal Palace, everyone thought he was a good goalscorer. I think he has surprised everyone with the level he has played at for Everton this season.

Every player has to play to their maximum Phil Neville

"He has stepped up a level, he has gone to a bigger club and has taken everything on board and answered every question that has been put his way in terms of his performances.

"In terms of being an out and out goalscorers, he is the best one in the squad at the moment. He is the most confident and, as he showed against Arsenal, he doesn't need a second chance to stick a goal away."

Neville said England had to perform better than in recent months if they were to triumph in Tel Aviv.

"Israel are not to be under-estimated. They are on their own ground and we will have to do our homework but that doesn't mean we are not going to relish the prospect of going there, getting the three points and improving the form of the last six months.

"If we play to our potential, hopefully there won't be a problem but every player has to play to their maximum.

"It is an away game. You play away games in the Champions League and even against the so-called lower countries they are always difficult games.

"This will be no different."