The Three Lions are yet to win in two games at their new home and last month's defeat to Germany was accompanied by sporadic booing at the final whistle.

No one has forgotten the merciless treatment dished out to McClaren in Barcelona last March either as his team struggled to overcome part-time Andorra in Group E.

But McClaren feels it is time for supporters and players to be focused on the same goals.

With victories essential in four home games from five remaining Euro 2008 qualifiers over the next two months, McClaren wants to experience the kind of intimidating atmosphere normally reserved for England when they go on their travels.

"We need to make Wembley a fortress both in terms of performance and the atmosphere," he said.

"I have been involved with England for six years and when we travel to other countries their support is always very passionate.

"A fantastic atmosphere for the home side and can be very intimidating for the away team. That is what we need at Wembley.

"I don't want the opposition to say they are looking forward to playing there. We all want to be in Austria and Switzerland next year, so we all should come together and do what we can to get us there."

Anxious not to criticise his own fans, McClaren branded them "the best in the world" despite the treatment he has received.

The jury is still out among the rank and file as to whether the former Middlesbrough manager is the right man for the job.

However, since hitting that low point against Andorra, McClaren has become a more formidable figure and, with Frank Lampard missing, one senses it would take something akin to an amputation for the England coach not to pick Steven Gerrard next weekend, no matter what reservations Rafael Benitez might have about his captain's broken toe.

Aaron Lennon could yet find himself plucked from Tottenham's squad too if McClaren believes the winger has a role to play against an Israel side unbeaten in a World Cup group containing eventual runners-up France two years ago.

"There are spells in games where we could get frustrated," he said.

"Israel will get 11 players behind the ball, pack the penalty area and make it difficult for us to score.

"It is at times like that when the fans can lift our players."

McClaren is reluctant to offer any public opinion on the vexed goalkeeping issue of whether to replace Paul Robinson with David James, other than confirm the decision is already made.

That suggests a recall for James at the ripe old age of 37.

At the other end of the age scale, Blackburn's David Bentley must harbour some hopes of a first senior start now Lampard has joined David Beckham on the sidelines, with only Shaun Wright-Phillips offering possible competition.

The second striking spot alongside Michael Owen also offers McClaren a puzzle to solve, with Andrew Johnson tipped to edge out Alan Smith as Peter Crouch serves a one-match ban.

In theory, the only area where selection should be straightforward is England's back four.

But even there, some feel Rio Ferdinand's place in central defence should be under more threat from rising star Micah Richards, who, with Gary Neville still missing, will retain the right-back slot.

Ferdinand's languid style is sometimes mistaken for a poor attitude, which is used to attack the Manchester United defender when he fails to reach the high standards he is capable of.

Reports did emerge after the Germany encounter, once McClaren had expressed a general dissatisfaction over the defending for both visitors' goals, that Ferdinand was fighting for his place.

McClaren has wisely steered clear of that debate, although he would like Ferdinand to reach top form slightly more often than he has done for his country in recent times.

"I have always believed Rio has the potential to be one of the best centre-halves in the world," he said.

"He can appear too relaxed sometimes but it is a bit like the swan; it looks serene on the top but it is paddling like mad underneath.

"Rio is a very important part of our team, not just in terms of defending but also coming out with the ball and expressing himself.

"It is something he can do more of and he is like a lot of players in our team, we need him to step forward and deliver."