Hargreaves to sit out Spain game
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Owen Hargreaves has ruled out playing any part in England's friendly with Spain.
The Bayern Munich midfielder has only recently recovered from a broken leg he suffered in September.
Hargreaves made his comeback in last Friday's defeat to Nurnberg, but he will not take any risks with his fitness in Wednesday's clash with Spain at Old Trafford.
"I won't be taking part in the match," Hargreaves told Bayern Munich's official website.
"I just want to show my face and take part in one or two training sessions."
Meanwhile, Hargreaves has jumped to the defence of England boss Steve McClaren after he came in for criticism from former Middlesbrough stars Danny Mills and Massimo Maccarone last week.
Hargreaves believes the former Middlesbrough boss is one of the best managers he has worked with.
"I think he's one of the best managers I've ever had," Hargreaves told Radio Five Live.
"The amount of effort he puts into the training sessions, you can really see that we're extremely well-prepared whenever we go to games.
"The amount of time we spend on the opponents and on ourselves, the combinations and tactics - set-pieces - I think is something I've never experienced under any other manager.
"I think he does a fantastic job."
Hargreaves also believes there will be no problem in the England camp following Joey Barton's call-up.
It has been suggested Barton's inclusion could cause friction after his criticism of some players for their World Cup performances.
But Hargreaves insists Manchester City ace Barton will be welcomed into the fold.
"I think everything is forgotten when you go on the pitch," noted Hargreaves.
"We're a team and everybody wants to do well.
"It should be a great moment for him. Hopefully, he can adapt to the squad and prove a player to help us in the future."
Oh man, he will be out of action sia.. -
Its a friendly, I dun see how England needed Hargreaves for his lunging tackles.
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he just recovered. there are other players who can take on his role but who is actually good enough?? mcclaren might be tempted to play gerrard and lampard in the middle