McClaren storms away after Gerrard rescue act

14 April 2012

Steve McClaren buckled under the pressure of managing England last night after furious supporters called for him to be sacked during their 3-0 win over Andorra.

England's head coach stormed out of the post-match Press conference after just two questions, increasing concerns that he cannot cope with the pressure of leading his country.

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At last: Steven Gerrard celebrates his opener against Andorra, England's first goal in four competitive games

Asked if he would walk away from the job after 241 days in charge, he replied: "Never."

Steven Gerrard scored twice for England and David Nugent added another, but McClaren has been accused of a cover up over Frank Lampard's fitness.

Lampard asked for a private jet to fly him home before the match after being told he would take no part in England's crucial game.

The Chelsea midfielder claims he only wanted to return for treatment on his broken wrist - and insists he did not threaten to walk out on England.

As he watched from the sidelines, England left the field at half-time to taunts of "You're not fit to wear the shirt" and abusive taunts aimed at McClaren. Some of the players looked visibly stunned at the onslaught.

'Nothing concerns me outside, what you write or what people say. What matters is inside. There's a great determination to prove people wrong. So, gentlemen, if you want to write whatever you want to write you can write it. Because that's all I'm going to say' - McClaren

It's there: Gerrard puts England ahead

The beleaguered England coach said: "We came here to win the game and it was important to win it. The criticism goes with the job.

"We won a game in very difficult conditions and I'm proud of every one of them. I told the players at half-time that we needed guts and character and we showed that.

"It was never going to be easy but Steven Gerrard stepped forward and he picked it up for us. That victory puts us in a better position."

In fact, England are now third after Israel beat Estonia 4-0 to move into second and Russia, who did not play, are now fourth in Group E with a game in hand.

Their disastrous 0-0 draw with Israel last Saturday leaves England with a mountain to climb to qualify for Euro 2008 and they will have to travel to Estonia on June 6 without Wayne Rooney.

The England striker was at boiling point throughout the clash against a team of part-timers and he was finally booked in the second half.

McClaren eventually substituted him, but it is too late to avoid a suspension after the troubled striker was booked in Israel on Saturday.

England were anything but impressive, but victory was their first in six matches under their struggling coach, although the fans certainly made their feelings known.

Skipper John Terry said: "During the game it is not nice for the players. For the players' sake and England's sake it would be a lot better if they kept it until after the game.

"The players have stood up and taken responsibility for underachieving in recent games and we need the fans behind us."

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