McClaren tells men 'forget Russia'

LONDON, England -- England coach Steve McClaren has warned his players that they should concentrate on Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier with Estonia at Wembley and not get distracted by their forthcoming trip to Russia.

Russia and England are currently battling for the second qualifying spot behind group leaders Croatia and next Wednesday's match on an artificial pitch in Moscow is considered vital.

But McClaren is pointing to England's goalless draw with Macedonia at Old Trafford last year as a clear warning not to take lightly more lowly-ranked teams.

McClaren told the Press Association: "We have put ourselves in pole position but we have said to the players and the staff 'forget Russia'. We have got to concentrate on Estonia.

"We have got to make sure we don't make the mistake we made 12 months ago when we drew at home with Macedonia. That cost us two precious points and we need that positive result against Estonia.

"Russia had to play Macedonia before they played England last month and I noticed their manager (Guus Hiddink) said the focus was on Macedonia and not England." E-mail to a friend