Former England manager Steve McClaren has recalled a surreal moment from his time in charge of the national team, revealing how a mid-air problem during a trip to Russia around 2006 was resolved by an unexpected phone call from an influential figure.

Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, McClaren described how England’s arrival in Russia turned into a tense and confusing experience as the plane struggled to land.

“We went to Russia, it took us ages to land. Why are we circling around the airport and we can’t land?” he said.

According to McClaren, the situation dragged on as the aircraft repeatedly looped in the air, with no clear explanation given to those on board. The uncertainty grew, and frustration began to set in among the squad and staff.
Then came an unusual intervention.

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McClaren revealed that former England defender John Terry decided to make a call to then Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who had significant influence in Russian football and business circles.

“Terry phoned Abramovich on the plane and told Roman, ‘We can’t land and for some reason, we are not landing and we are going around in circles,’” McClaren recalled.

What happened next left the England camp stunned.
“Five minutes later, all of a sudden we landed. I thought, that’s influence for sure,” he added.

The incident, while never officially explained in detail, has since become one of the more talked-about behind-the-scenes anecdotes from McClaren’s short tenure.

Watch the video below:



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