Hargreaves' return brings touch of adhesive to loose midfield

With England's European Championship qualifying campaign threatening to become unstuck, it is time to apply the glue. Owen Hargreaves' return from his broken leg has been greeted with a wave of relief from the England manager, players, media - and supporters.

It was Steve McClaren who described Hargreaves as the adhesive needed to hold things together in the midfield area. It was also McClaren who likened the 26-year-old's role, and importance, to that of Roy Keane when at Manchester United and Chelsea's Claude Makelele. Not so long ago comparisons of that nature would have been derided. But such was Hargreaves' impact at the World Cup last summer that they have, instead, provoked a debate.

"It's a similar position," Hargreaves said yesterday when asked if he accepted the comparison. "Keane was one of the most influential players of the last 10 years and such a crucial player for Manchester United. Obviously he was one of the reasons why they enjoyed so much success. To be compared to someone of that stature is fantastic."

It is not just McClaren making the comparison. Sir Alex Ferguson's pursuit of the Bayern Munich player was public and prolonged. He has made little secret of his desire to sign Hargreaves this summer, after his attempts last August and a frenzied spell in January when it again appeared a deal could be done, to fill the hole left by Keane.

"It's a position that is crucial when you're linking up the play, getting the ball to the strikers and with the defenders behind you," Hargreaves said. "I think I've shown what I can bring to a team. I hope I can bring some energy to the midfield and give the back four support to keep a clean sheet."

Having made a successful comeback for Bayern, Hargreaves is expected to go straight into the England team for the vital Group E qualifier against Israel on Saturday. His positivity, as well as his ability, will be a bonus and may count for more than whatever formation McClaren settles on.

"More important is the way we come out," Hargreaves said. "We have to go out and control the game, dominate the game and let Israel know that anything other than three points for us is simply not enough.

"We have to look to put them on the back foot from the start and if we can do that they will make mistakes because they're not used to playing at a high tempo. We're a better team than Israel, technically and tactically. I think it will come down to who wants it more."

The inference is clear that England have failed to do this in his absence and Hargreaves brushes over the fact that not so long ago he was actually booed when playing for his country. "When I've played I've done the job I've been asked to do." To his mind that did not change in the World Cup. The only difference was he was given the opportunity.

"I think I was 19 when I first played for England. But if you look at the squad and the players that we had - Scholes, Becks, Stevie G and Lamps - there weren't many places up for grabs. [But] I knew my opportunity would come around."

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