'I'm no yes man' - Venables

Reports suggested that Venables was against bringing the Real Madrid star back into the squad after he was pointedly dropped from McClaren's first squad back in August, and while he would not say categorically whether that was the case he insisted he would always give McClaren his honest opinion rather than be a "yes man".

"Most of the time we are in agreement - occasionally we are not. I supported the decision Steve made with regard to Beckham last August but I can understand bringing him back. Whether I agree or not is immaterial," Venables said.

"My job is to give a straight answer, when asked. What Steve does with that opinion is up to him, and from there we all work with what he has decided. He is the boss.

"I have read that I was against the idea, as if there are two camps within the England coaching set-up. That is simply not how it happens," Venables told the News of the World.

"I am not there to be Steve's yes man. I know what Steve said he wanted from me when I took the job - and that is the support I continue to provide.

"I say what I think. No sugar-coating. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we do not. But there is no point having me on the staff if all that is required is an echo of Steve's voice.

"This does not mean I challenge him for the sake of it. There is nothing to be gained in looking for trouble where none exists."