English players must stand up and be counted: Taylor

Steve McClaren and his players must share the blame for England’s listless performance in the goalless draw with Israel on Saturday, according to former England manager Graham Taylor.

England badly needed a win to boost their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 but failed to score for the third game in succession and are third in Group E behind Croatia and Russia.

“We were told beforehand that this was going to be a performance of passion pride power and pace but from the kick-off it was just not that at all and that was the major disappointment,” Taylor told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“The manager will always be responsible for the results but the players have to stand up and take responsibility for performance.

“If as a player you need a great manager to make you play with passion there is something missing from you.”