ENGLAND ASSISTANT coach Steve McClaren has backed Paul Scholes to end his three-year international goal drought before the end of the Euro 2004 finals.

Croatia claim they will be satisfied with a point against European champions France as they believe the key to qualification lies in beating England in their final match.

Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa is expected to miss his side’s opening Group B clash with Switzerland on Sunday after tearing a thigh muscle in training.