McClaren was forced to endure unprecedented levels of abuse in Barcelona's Olympic Stadium last night as England recorded a three-goal win over Andorra which just about met pre-match demands.

Virtually to a man, the 12,000 travelling supporters turned on McClaren after a goalless opening 20 minutes and even after victory had been assured, chants of 'Still want McClaren out' rumbled round the ground.

Lampooned by the media, many of whom have also demanded his sacking, it would be understandable if McClaren decided the England job was one he no longer wanted.

Yet, despite exiting his post-match Press conference after precisely one minute and 55 seconds declaring 'You can write what you like', it appears McClaren remains determined to see England's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign to its conclusion.

It is now nine weeks until England play again, almost certainly against Brazil as Wembley throws open its doors to international combat, and 10 before McClaren's men head to Estonia for yet another must-win Group E clash.

And when his players meet up, McClaren will call for the same kind of unity which saw them through such a difficult evening in Catalonia.

"Nothing can concern us from the outside," he said.

"It is what happens in the dressing room and out on the field that counts.

"It is not tough for me although obviously it is not pleasant.

"The players have really come together. I have had fantastic support from them. I have had fantastic support from the staff and everybody within the FA. That is the most important thing."

Picking out the positives from an international against a ski resort is not an easy task. However, the glaring one was the performance of Steven Gerrard.

The exact fitness and readiness of Frank Lampard to play in Montjuic remains the subject of debate.

Beyond doubt is the sustained call for Lampard to be ejected from his central midfield slot so Gerrard can be accommodated alongside Owen Hargreaves in his favoured position.

The benefit was there for all to see last night as the Liverpool skipper single-handedly roused England from their first-half slumbers, scoring two second-half goals that prevented an uncomfortable evening from turning into a complete catastrophe.

Quite possibly, Gerrard is the one truly world-class player England have just now and the folly of shunting him onto the right wing was exposed.

"Steven was magnificent," said McClaren.

"He really stepped forward for us, as did quite a few others."

Unfortunately, Wayne Rooney was not among them.

Just as he did in the goalless draw with Israel at the weekend, the Manchester United star allowed himself to get embroiled in a pushing and shoving match with inferior opponents rather than impose his own immense talent on proceedings.

The second-half booking he picked up rules him out of the Estonia trip on June 6, lengthening his summer holiday while also almost certainly hastening the return of Newcastle's Michael Owen, who should be back to full fitness by then.

On the same night England are in Tallinn, Russia head to Croatia. If Guus Hiddink's men can win, McClaren will have little room for manoeuvre heading into next season's final five qualifiers.

Much more likely, given Croatia drew in Moscow, is a home win, which would leave England level on points with Russia heading into the summer, knowing four of their remaining five games are at Wembley, including the visit of Russia, who campaign concludes with three away trips in their last four.

From that perspective, it is easy to see why McClaren remains so optimistic qualification will be assured, even if the mood around him is one of unremitting negativity.

"It was never going to be easy last night," said McClaren.

"The conditions were difficult on the field and off it the players had to cope with the frustration and disappointment of the fans. They had to show great character and guts to keep playing.

"We did want six points from these last two games and we should have won in Israel.

"But I have said all along if we can get four points against the top teams, draw away, win at home, you will qualify.

"Yes, we have drawn against Israel but we have to make sure we beat these teams in our home games.

"We have taken four points from two away games, now we have to beat Estonia in June before the group really heats up next season."