England's Lampard welcomes new-found team spirit

England coach Steve McClaren has brought about a total transformation to the squad, according to Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

McClaren has wasted no time implementing his ideas both on and off the pitch since taking over from Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson at the start of last month and is determined to emulate the strong team spirit which the players have at club level.

"We are trying to bring the club atmosphere into the England squad and are working on having characters and a good spirit around the hotel," Lampard said.

"We certainly have a good team spirit at Chelsea.

"Our manager (Jose Mourinho), John Terry and myself instigate that in a big way and we find it really helps us to bond players - especially foreign players and new signings and get them involved in the set-up.

"It is the same with England and all the young players who come into the squad," added Lampard, who is no stranger to success with English champions Chelsea.

"Spirit only gets judged on winning games - if you lose everyone says the spirit is not good enough. The fact that we weren't successful in the World Cup has made people look at the spirit (of the side)."

Following England's disappointing World Cup quarter-final exit on penalties to Portugal, Lampard said there was a difference in the way the squad approached games and they were full of confidence for today's European Championship qualifier against Andorra.

"What Steve is trying to do, and what is very good to hear as a player, is if you look at the small details and add one or two per cent.

"It can make a difference on the pitch and be more successful in the future," Lampard said.

Rio Ferdinand out of Andorra qualifier

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will miss today's qualifier against Andorra.

McClaren told a news conference, however, that the World Cup centre back could recover from a bruised toe in time for England's next qualifier away to Macedonia next week.

"We're hoping that over the weekend he gets over it and is available next Wednesday," McClaren said.

Ferdinand bruised his toe during United's 2-1 win at Watford last Saturday.