Beset by injuries throughout his short time in charge, beaten in Croatia thanks to a lousy bobble and denied possibly the biggest win of his career in Russia by a woeful penalty decision, the former Middlesbrough boss was sat in a Yarm restaurant emphasising why he still believed England would reach Euro 2008 when news came through of Wayne Rooney's latest injury.

Momentarily taken aback by confirmation Rooney would be out for four weeks, McClaren quickly regained his composure, admitted it was "a blow" but stressed the need for his replacement, presumably Peter Crouch, to seize the opportunity being offered.

It was the kind of brave face McClaren has got used to adopting over the previous 15 months.

But now, with his job on the line and seemingly dependent on Israel denying Russia in Tel Aviv next Saturday, it was time to adopt a different tactic to defend his position.

"I really believe I am the right man to take England forward," he argued.

"I love the job. I love working with the team and I know they will go on to be successful. I have faith in them and belief in them and I want to go on.

"I understand why people are talking about my future. It is a viable debate but it is a debate I cannot be part of."

Nevertheless, McClaren was at pains to point out the key players in the most important debate - whether he will keep his position or not - have all been supportive.

FA chairman Geoff Thompson, chief executive Brian Barwick, senior board member Sir David Richards and fellow international committee member Noel White all took time out to speak with McClaren in the wake of the humiliating struggle against Andorra last March, since when their messages have remained positive.

"They were supportive after Andorra and have been supportive all the way through," said McClaren.

"I accept the first six or seven months after I came into the job were difficult.

"We had to turn things around a little bit and build the confidence back up but we took quite a few hits along the way, none more so than the draw against Macedonia at home.

"But we have taken those hits and become stronger for them."

Crucially, McClaren also feels he has the support of his senior players.

While anyone with an England career to think of would obviously be publicly behind the person responsible for picking them, McClaren claims recent performances - including a run of five successive 3-0 wins in qualifying and the excellent first hour in Moscow - prove his point.

"As soon as the players lose faith and belief, you are in trouble," he said.

"But I do not believe that is the case. You know when a team is struggling and when they are not gelling. There is a great spirit and togetherness about this group."

The latest group of 26, now reduced to 25 given Rooney's absence is unlikely to herald a replacement, includes former skipper David Beckham.

McClaren flew out to Los Angeles amid some controversy last week to speak with Beckham, who could find himself marooned on 99 caps should results go against England over the coming days, to discover the extent of his fitness.

The response was exactly what McClaren was looking for and with skipper John Terry ruled out with a knee injury and Rio Ferdinand suspended, Beckham's experience will prove vital against Croatia on November 21.

However, as every England follower is aware, for the Croatia encounter to mean anything - other than offering 90,000 supporters a chance to offer their own opinion on McClaren's time in charge - Israel must not lose to Russia.

Most fans are adopting a pessimistic stance, believing Guus Hiddink will find a way to ensure Russia win. Some have mischievously suggested the influence of Roman Abramovich may come into play in one way or another.

Understandably, McClaren cannot allow such thoughts to enter his head and is adamant the hosts will be no easier to beat than when England could only draw in the Ramat Gan Stadium nearly seven months ago.

"They will definitely not throw the towel in," said McClaren.

"Israel are a very proud nation and Tel Aviv is a very tough place to go.

"They have a great home record. They have lost once - to Croatia - in the last two qualifying competitions. Maybe you look at them and think 'How has that happened?' but the record is there.

"The whole of Europe will be looking at that game. Israel have to perform and they know it."