Give McClaren time - Ferguson

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Steve McClaren to get it right for England.

McClaren has come under intense pressure since Wednesday's dismal performance in Croatia, when England suffered their worst competitive defeat in 13 years. A veteran of almost 20 years at Manchester United, Ferguson understands completely what his former assistant is going through.

"Steve has the ability and he should be left to get on with it," said Ferguson, who brought McClaren to Old Trafford during the 1999 Treble-winning campaign. "There has been the usual over-reaction and some of the things being said are pretty abusive. The thing that hurts you the most is when you see stuff from 'a source within the FA'. I am sure there is no source but it is hard to deal with."

Ferguson struggles to comprehend the criticism McClaren has received given Croatia's dominance on home soil.

Without a defeat in competitive games in 14 years since the fledgling nation's acceptance onto the international stage, the Scot feels there were some hugely unrealistic expectations going into Wednesday's match.

"What kind of a world is it where people think England will win easily against Croatia, who have not lost a game at home for 14 years?" he said.

"Steve McClaren is young but he has the experience of Terry Venables alongside him and I am sure he will be okay."