McClaren ponders Richards switch
England boss Steve McClaren says he is not worried about asking Micah Richards to play in central defence.
First-choice pair John Terry and Rio Ferdinand are unavailable for Friday's friendly against Austria and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.
That could mean Richards moves from right-back to partner Sol Campbell in the centre - where he already plays for club side Manchester City.
McClaren said: "His performances there for City have been impressive."
Ferdinand is suspended for the game against Croatia, while captain Terry is recovering from knee surgery.
McClaren was at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to see Everton defender Joleon Lescott in action and he could win his second cap alongside Campbell.
If Richards moves into the centre, Wes Brown or Phil Neville could deputise at right-back.
Lescott played at left-back in England's last game against Russia but Chelsea boss Avram Grant has confirmed that Ashley Cole is fit to play for England - even though the defender was omitted from the Blues squad that drew with Everton.
Wayne Bridge started for the Blues as Cole has only just recovered from an ankle injury.
England's fate could be decided by the time they play Croatia if Russia beat Israel and Croatia avoid defeat against Macedonia on Saturday.
If Russia lose against Israel, England would need a draw against Slaven Bilic's side or they will fail to qualify for a major championship for the first time since 1994.
McClaren has hinted at calling on former skipper David Beckham to ensure England qualify.
Beckham, now playing in the United States with Los Angeles Galaxy, was once discarded by McClaren but was brought out of international exile for the match against Estonia in June.
And McClaren says Beckham, who has recovered from injury, could be a key figure.
"I wouldn't say he has proved me wrong," he stated. "It wasn't difficult to leave him out, I thought it was for the benefit of the team.
"But we're in a situation where we are coming to the big games and David is a big-game player."
McClaren is also being tipped to try out Aston Villa goalkeeper Scott Carson against Austria, with questions hanging over number one Paul Robinson following a series of high-profile errors.
