McClaren is under pressure but has received plenty of backing

England coach Steve McClaren says he "fully expects" the team to reach Euro 2008, despite their perilous position.

If Russia beat Israel and Andorra, and Croatia earn a point in Macedonia, or at Wembley on Wednesday, England will not qualify for next summer's finals.

But McClaren, whose England side face Austria in a friendly on Friday, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I fully expect us to have qualified for the campaign.

"There is still a long way to go and a lot of events to unfold."

News conference: England boss Steve McClaren

Interview: England midfielder Steven Gerrard

News conference: England striker Michael Owen

England's chances of qualifying for next summer's finals rest on Russia failing to win in Israel on Saturday.

If Russia draw, then England will need to beat group leaders Croatia in their last qualifying game on Wednesday.

But if Russia lose to Israel, then a point would be sufficient for McClaren's side against Croatia.

"It is hypothetical talking about the future when there are so many events still involved," said McClaren.

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"Hopefully, the result will go right for us on Saturday night (between Israel and Russia) and we will be able to qualify when we play Croatia."

McClaren, who was appointed in May 2006, insists the qualification process will go down to the last game against Croatia, and stressed the recent progress his team had made.

"The first six to eight months were very difficult, the last seven we've made great progress and the performances have been very good, and everyone's seen the progress made," he said.

"Look at the last six months - the squad and the team have come together playing in a good style.

"I'm positive. I still believe that the Croatia game will be the game (when qualification is decided).

"There's still a long way to go. The pressure is on Russia and Israel to perform."

Speaking ahead of Friday's friendly against Austria, McClaren refused to comment on his long-term future.

The former Middlesbrough manager could lose his job if England fail to qualify, and when asked whether he should have had more backing from his bosses, he said: "It's not my decision, it's up to the Football Association.

"All we can concentrate on is the game on Friday."

If McClaren fails to guide England to Euro 2008, it will be the first major tournament the team has missed since the 1994 World Cup.

But England's stand-in captain Steven Gerrard and striker Michael Owen have each given McClaren their support.

"I've got a lot of faith in him, I've enjoyed working with him and, speaking to the other players, I'm sure they feel the same," said Gerrard.

Owen added: "He has been with us for a while and we think he is the right man for the job."

Former England manager Sir Bobby Robson and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton have also backed McClaren.

"The FA says he is the manager and will be for a while," said Charlton. "I think if you ask a few football people they would tell you 'who else would you get?'

"The England manager's job is so high profile. Maybe you need a bit of luck - support from the players, the FA, people in the game generally. Let's give him a chance."