England manager Steve McClaren has said he feels no pressure, as the life of a boss of the national team is no different to that of a Premiership club manager’s.

“They win a game and they're the great whatever. They lose a game and they can't manage anything,” said McClaren, who was the manager of Middlesbrough before accepting the England job.

“International level is no different,” he added.

According to McClaren, “it's a game of opinions and everyone will have an opinion on the squad. But ultimately, mine is the opinion that has to be tested. Everybody else's theories don't have to be.”

“As manager your theories are tested and scrutinised. That's the beauty of the job as well. That's why football is a great sport.”

McClaren also voiced his intent, saying: “We've got to make our national team successful again.”

England, who had a disappointing World Cup 2006 going out in the quarter-finals under then manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, will face Spain in an international friendly at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

McClaren also pointed out that England are finally getting over their World Cup hangover.

“There has been a big hangover from the World Cup for everybody - for the fans, media, the players - and I think we're finally starting to get over that,” he said.

“That is reflected in the performances in the first six months after a World Cup. It's always difficult. You always get injuries and people dipping in form.”

The Three Lions have had a patchy 2008 European Championship qualifying campaign so far.

McClaren's side are third in the seven-team group E with seven points from four matches. Top-of-the table Croatia, who beat England 2-0 in October, have a three-point lead over England.

England resume the campaign in Israel on March 24, followed by an away tie against Andorra to be played in Barcelona, four days later.

McClaren however, feels England’s form is on the upswing after the encouraging 1-1 friendly draw against the Netherlands in Amsterdam.

“The calibre of the players coming through and in the squad is just raising that excitement again,” he added.

“What we're looking at is a big year. It's a massive year for England...because we are starting now and we want to end it with qualification.”

“In the meantime we've got very big games, very important games. It will be swings and roundabouts, ups and downs but eventually we will get there. We're determined to do that.”

“Once you get over the New Year, I think you're into a new era.”