Much to the frustration of Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, McClaren did not last 12 hours in his job following England's stunning exit from the Euro 2008 qualifying competition.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick has been tasked with finding a replacement but already early favourite Martin O'Neill has ruled himself out, as have Sam Allardyce and Alan Curbishley, who were both interviewed when Sven-Goran Eriksson announced his intention to quit.

Although Barwick has vowed to take his time, it appears increasingly likely he will make another overseas appointment, with Fabio Capello among the foremost candidates if, as expected, Jose Mourinho declares a lack of interest.

But no matter who eventually gets the job, McClaren feels his dismal reign will actually be a major help.

"I believe, one day, we will get it right," said McClaren.

"The next man may have a huge advantage because of what has been a failure.

"It is an advantage that you are starting from a situation where there is only one way to go now.

"The next manager could be in a far better position because the expectations are not that great."

McClaren remains insistent he regrets nothing about his time in charge and feels his management abilities have improved because of the time he spent with England.

But for a mad five minutes in Moscow, he could well still be in a job, which is why he does not feel the 'root and branch' examination of the England set-up promised by FA chairman Geoff Thompson should trigger major changes.

"I believe in evolution, not revolution," he said.

"The margins between success and failure at this level are extremely fine and we have seen that over the last few weeks.

"This time we have been the wrong side but I still believe the talent is there."

McClaren intends to take a short break from the game before resuming his management career.

After excelling in spells as assistant at Derby and Manchester United, before bringing Middlesbrough their first major honour, McClaren should not be unemployed for long.

And he only need look at the impressive work Eriksson is doing at Manchester City to know redemption can be gained very quickly.

"I still have belief in myself and I believe I can emulate Sven," he said.

"I have managed at the top level. I have coached. I have won trophies and I have managed England. That is the ultimate.

"Unfortunately, it didn't work out and I didn't have the success I wanted. But that doesn't mean to say I cannot recover, bounce back and learn and be a better person for it."

The inspiration to emerge stronger for his trauma will come from within.

"There are many people I look to but the biggest inspiration comes from myself, not other people and what they do," he said.

"It is what is inside that counts. I have had disappointments and failures before. This is huge. But I will recover and I will bounce back."

However, for all the disappointments and abuse McClaren has suffered during the tortuous last 15 months, he does not believe coaching England is the impossible task many believe it to be.

"There is pressure and maybe there is a lot of expectation," he said.

"But you have to deal with it and live with it because it is a privilege and honour to manage your country."