McClaren concentrates on mind games in attempt to ‘instil belief’

STEVE MCCLAREN has spent two days working on the minds of his England players so when they run out at Old Trafford they will think the ground is half-full and not half-empty.

McClaren’s aim during his first get-together with his team has been to change their mind-set as much as the way they play.

He has made some tactical tweaks ahead of tonight’s friendly against Greece but a huge emphasis has also been placed on a positive attitude.

However, McClaren’s plans to hand a debut to Dean Ashton were wrecked when the West Ham striker broke his left ankle in training. Ashton was due to start but now faces up to three months on the sidelines.

Ashton is expected to be out until mid-November, meaning he will miss England’s first four Euro 2008 qualifiers, just as manager Steve McLaren is looking to build a new-look side.

And West Ham will be without their £7.25 million (€10.75m) record signing for at least the first 10 league games of the season plus next month’s two-legged UEFA Cup first-round tie.

McClaren believes the mind plays a big part at the elite level of sport, where any slight advantage can have a major influence.

When McClaren talked about the Greece game, he spoke of “pride and passion” and the need to “instil belief” after a World Cup flop.

He beat his drum about the value of a “Team England” mentality because “teams win tournaments”.

In contrast, he seemed reluctant to dwell on individuals and his decision to break up Steven Gerrard’s midfield partnership with Frank Lampard, which has never flourished.

Gerrard has been switched from the centre to the position on the right vacated by David Beckham.

McClaren said he had discussed the Liverpool skipper with Rafael Benitez and decided to move him because of the excellent form of Owen Hargreaves.

Lampard and Hargreaves will play in the centre with Stewart Downing handed his first international start on the left wing.

Peter Crouch and Defoe will spearhead McClaren’s attack.

ENGLAND: Robinson, G Neville, Ferdinand, Terry, A Cole, Gerrard, Hargreaves, Lampard, Downing, Defoe, Crouch.