McClaren: Montenegro Result Can Define Hodgson’s Reign

Steve McClaren believes that England's game against Montenegro in their World Cup qualifier could be a defining moment in the reign of Roy Hodgson.

The former England manager knows a thing or two about the pressure of the job and he has warned Hodgson that his honeymoon period is now over and that the public will be demanding a positive result.

England currently trail Montenegro by two points and should they lose then they would face the possibility of having to come through the play-offs in order to qualify for Brazil.

"You get a honeymoon period but the Montenegro game is a big game, it's a defining game for Roy and the team. It is hurdle to get over in terms of temperament and character." said the former FC Twente boss.

Despite their being plenty of pressure on the England side to get a result on Tuesday evening, McClaren actually feels as though expectations have been lowered after a string of disappointing performances at major championships.

"I have noticed a significant shift in the attitude of the media and even when I talk to supporters you can see that the expectations of the England football team are more realistic now," added McClaren.

"People have looked at the past and see that we haven't qualified, only got to the last 16, or quarter finals and are realising that we can't be expected to beat everybody or to go to tournaments and win them.

"The fact that Capello had great experience and was a foreigner meant that it was easier for him to ignore the criticism because he could escape and visit his home country.

"Roy, who has international experience, has come in and steadied the ship and he can deal with the expectations of The FA, the fans and the media."

England have drawn their last two games against Montenegro and McClaren has warned that this will be another test of the players mentality, especially after Wayne Rooney received a red card for a rash challenge on Miodrag Dzudovic the last time the teams played in Podgorica.

Asked what would be a positive result, McClaren replied: "Of course they can win the game, without a shadow of doubt and they're capable of doing that.

"It's a great test of their mentality, combating the outside elements like the atmosphere, fans and the on-field intimidation from playing these big European teams.

"We saw it in the last game with Rooney's sending off, which has to serve as a lesson to the players. Every England player must be aware that to reach their potential, they have to play with emotional control, discipline and make sure England do not have to play a game with ten men."

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