FA chief backs McClaren

Under-pressure England coach Steve McClaren has received the unqualified backing of his boss in the wake of unprecedented levels of abuse in Barcelona last night.

Four days after the first calls for his sacking were heard in Israel, McClaren was forced to endure a torrent of name-calling from just 20 minutes into last night's game.

Even as England celebrated their triumph, their 12,000-strong travelling army bellowed "Still want McClaren sacked" while sections of the media continued their campaign to end his reign.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick understands the fans' frustrations — and supports their right to criticise - but he feels last night's abuse overstepped the mark.

"Everyone has the right to give their opinion - that is the beauty of the game - and the England fans, the most dedicated group of supporters in the world, are entitled to air theirs," Barwick said.

"They spend a lot of money following their team, turn up in huge numbers everywhere and offer fantastic vocal support.

"Over the past two matches, they have also loudly expressed their frustration during parts of the games. I buy that as their right - no problem.

"I do, however, feel that there is a line to draw between acceptable criticism and personal vilification and abuse. One is fair, the other is not."

Barwick will not consider sacking McClaren.

"Of course we would like to be top of the group at this stage, but our fate is still in our hands and that is vitally important," he said.

"I know how hard Steve and everyone connected to the team is working. He is a strong man and I know from speaking with him just how determined he is to deliver success for England.

"I, like everyone else at the FA, will be doing everything I can to help Steve and the team win their next Euro qualifier in Estonia in June."

Barwick left the Olympic Stadium without saying a word about McClaren, who would almost certainly have been dismissed had it not been for England's three second-half goals.

McClaren did face the media, but stayed for only one minute and 55 seconds, answering two questions in the process, before he departed, declaring: "Write what you like."

It is not known whether the move was premeditated but he is clearly convinced a sense of solidarity within the England camp is required to repel the mutiny outside.

"Nothing can concern us from the outside," he said. "It is what happens in the dressing room and out on the field that counts.  "It is not tough for me, although obviously it is not pleasant.

"The players have really come together. I have had fantastic support from them. I have had fantastic support from the staff and everybody within the FA. That is the most important thing."  PA