Steven Gerrard believes Steve McClaren is the right man to manage England and insists it will be down to the players if England fail to qualify for Euro 2008.
England's hopes of progressing from Qualifying Group E rest in the hands of others following a stuttering campaign.
McClaren's men must hope Israel can earn a positive result against Russia on Saturday and must then target a victory over Croatia at Wembley next week.
"I'm certainly backing him," Gerrard told Sky Sports News.
"I'm sure all the other players are as well. I think he's the right man for the job.
"At the end of the day it is down to the players to take the criticism, as well as the manager and the coaching staff, but the players have got to take the responsibility.
"We are in a bit of a difficult situation and it's really frustrating having it in other people's hands and waiting for other results.
"But we have got to try and be positive and hopefully Israel can do us a favour at the weekend and then we can put all our efforts and concentration into the Croatia game, but we're not giving up yet."