The Middlesbrough manager has returned to the England set-up after Brian Kidd was forced to withdraw after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

McClaren was on Sven-Goran Eriksson's staff as England impressed in Japan in 2002 only to lose to eventual World Cup winners Brazil in the last eight.

But McClaren is confident England can go all the way in Portugal due to the improvement of the squad.

He said: "It's pretty much the same squad as the one we had two years ago, but it is now more experienced.

"The disappointment of how we lost in the World Cup will stand them in good stead.

"We have David Beckham fully fit going into the tournament unlike last time and the current form of players in the squad is outstanding.

"Then we have the big plus of having people like Steven Gerrard, Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney and John Terry who weren't with us in Japan.

"I think that makes a big improvement on the squad and the standard is better than the one that went to Japan."

McClaren admits he can't wait to be involved in the international scene again.

He added: "It's a tremendous honour for me and my football club. I would have liked to be going under better circumstances and my thoughts are with Brain Kidd at the present moment.

"I enjoy working at this level and with Sven, the coaches and the players. I enjoy big games and they don't come much bigger than this. It will only improve me as a coach."