Italian striker Massimo Maccarone, who's two goals finished off England's Under 21s in the European Championships in May, helped himself to a 30th minute header - but it was his strike partner Szilard Nemeth who sent out a warning to England's seniors with a goal in either half.

For Slovakian striker Nemeth could line-up against club boss McClaren when England travel to Bratislava next month for their opening match in their Euro 2004 qualifying campaign.

The 25 year old, signed from Inter Bratislava in the summer of 2001, has had to contend with a number of injuries during his time in Middlesbrough and has failed to hold down a regular spot in McClaren's starting line-up, but against the Black Cats he took his chance and proved what he can do.

Nemeth, seen as a goal poacher rather than creator, showed his predatory instincts inside the box to put 'Boro ahead in the 17th minute tucking away a spillage from 'keeper Thomas Sorensen. Italian Maccarone then put him through to round off the win on 66 minutes. 

Afterwards Sven's assistant said of his two-goal star: "He never complained last year when it was a frustrating year for him and the start of this year has been frustrating.

"We always say when you get an opportunity, make sure you take it, and he did tonight." added McClaren.

"He played against Southampton and did ever so well, went away with Slovakia, got injured, came back and wasn't quite fit.

"But I had no hesitation in putting Szilard in, and I thought he had a tremendous game."

McClaren knows much about the player who could cause trouble for the Three Lions next month, but if England can cut off his supply line then they could possibly starve him of similar success on October 12th.