McClaren wants more of same from Roo

In praising the Manchester United striker's honest admission about two years of below-par performances for England earlier this week, McClaren also added the warning his 21-year-old forward was still far from the finished product.

"When players of this standard receive criticism, they have to prove themselves on the pitch," said the England coach. "That is exactly what Wayne has done. Now he has to do is consistently."

He added: "He admitted himself he had a point to prove and he has gone a long way to doing that.

"We all know Wayne is a threat and I repeat, he has the potential to be world class. I am delighted with his goal but his overall contribution to the team was very good. He got better and better as the game went on."

It was not a blanket assessment of England's all-round performance as their effectiveness tapered off markedly as the second half wore on.

However, that did not really matter as by the half hour point, McClaren's team were three goals to the good, had victory in the bag and were merely saving energy for Wednesday's meeting with Russia in Moscow where victory will seal a place at Euro 2008 with a month to spare.

Such a prospect was virtually unthinkable six months ago when McClaren and his team were mercilessly jeered and heckled by their own fans after an atrocious performance against Andorra in Barcelona.

At that point it did not appear McClaren would even survive the summer, let alone reach a point where can preside over such a stylish route to Austria and Switzerland.

"I said all along qualifying is a long campaign," reflected McClaren. "I am not really surprised at the position we are in now. I have always had great belief in these players and the quality we have got."