STEVE MCCLAREN is relishing the chance to help lead England to World Cup success after agreeing to resume his post as part-time coach to the national team.
Describing the job, somewhat ironically given the recent goings on at FA Headquarters, as his "relaxation", the Middlesbrough boss threw his weight behind the leadership of Sven-Goran Eriksson and said he had a very good feeling about the squad's prospects in Germany in two years time.
McClaren's decision is something of a U-turn after he gave up the same role at the end of the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan citing family reasons.
At the time, he admitted: "We all know football is a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week job but it is very important to get a balance, not just in football but in your life.
"I really wanted to find that balance and it was a very important part of the decision.
"The family have all supported me throughout. They have been there every step along the way.
"But now I'm looking ahead, and next summer would have been another summer of travel with England. There would be no break.
"I'm looking at the long-term situation. I have talked about it with the family and made what was a difficult decision."
He did reprise the role at this year's European Championships, however, that was as the result of an SOS call when then No 2 Brian Kidd was rushed into hospital with prostate cancer.
But as soon as he returned from Portugal after England's quarter-final exit McClaren put all his efforts into building the Boro team for this season's Premiership assault.
Yesterday, however, he revealed that he had held a conversation with Eriksson on his return with the Swede asking what he thought of coming back on board.
And ahead of today's Premiership opener with Newcastle at The Riverside, he admitted: "We had brief talks after Portugal.
"But it was really just a couple of weeks ago that he officially asked."
Despite his previous decision, the 43-year-old did not need much convincing to rejoin the Swede in the dug-out, the first time for which will be on Wednesday at St James' Park, Newcastle for the friendly with the Ukraine.
"That was early on in management," he said of his first stint with the national team which coincided with the end of his debut year at the Riverside.
"And it was hard work establishing the culture and everything to do with it.
"But I am three years on and everything has calmed down.
"I have grown in experience as a manager and I feel I can handle the workload now and it's a benefit to the football club and to myself.
"If it's of benefit to myself then I want to pass that on to the football club.
"Ultimately, my priority and my commitment is to Middlesbrough and always has been and I think I can cope with that."
McClaren clearly feels he has unfinished business with England and it is a fair bet that he would feel upset if someone else took over the position and England went on to gain their first tangible success in a major tournament since 1966.
"You could call it my relaxation," he said with his trademark smile.
"It's something I really enjoy. Working with some of the best players in the country and being involved in the biggest games.
"One of the reasons I like working with Sven is he lets me do my job.
"I like working with the group of players, I know them inside out, I have worked with them for the last three or four years and I do believe that Germany is a big chance for this team to peak.
"I am honoured and proud to be asked to represent my country and I couldn't really turn it down."
While McClaren is understandably the bookies' favourite to succeed Eriksson, especially as his Boro contract is set to end at the same time as England are scheduled to take part in football's flagship tournament, McClaren is at pains to stress he is happy to rein in his ambitions for the time being.
Asked if Eriksson was the man for the job, considering the recent shenanigans at Soho Square, the Boro No 1 was emphatic.
"Absolutely," he said. "Whatever happens outside, his record on the field is very, very good.
"He has brought stability to England and I think that is reiterated with everything that the players say. The camp is solid, together and that's what England is all about - what happens on the field."
Quizzed again about being a shoe-in should Eriksson fail or quit between now and 2006 he added: "People can say that, but I have no expectations along those lines.
"Sven has got a long contract, we are aiming towards Germany 2006, my country has asked me to represent them and I am proud to do that."
Eriksson revealed: ''I'm delighted to confirm Steve's role with the England team.
"I rate him as one of the best coaches in the world and have tremendous respect for his ability.
''We really enjoy working together and I'm sure we can continue developing the team during the qualification for World Cup finals in Germany 2006. We are both determined to achieve success with England.
''I know Steve believes that he can combine his role with Middlesbrough, where he is doing a very good job, while working with the England team.
''I would also like thank Middlesbrough Football Club, particularly Steve Gibson, for their continued support of the national team through releasing Steve for international matches.''
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