The 19-year-old defender has made a seamless transition from the Premier League with Manchester City to international ranks.

Richards enhanced an already glowing reputation by powering home his first England goal on Saturday to complete the 3-0 Euro 2008 qualifying round win over Israel at Wembley.

His stunning rise to prominence means that for the first time in a decade, Gary Neville has genuine competition for England's right-back jersey, with some even feeling Richards has now shot past the vastly experienced Manchester United man.

Yet Richards' amazing form has come as no surprise to McClaren, who made the Birmingham-born player the youngest defender in Three Lions history when he picked him for the friendly in Holland last November.

"You always get a feeling from the first day of training what a player can be like," said McClaren.

"Yes, their form at club level might be good, they would not have been picked otherwise, but you want to know whether than can handle the situation, whether they can mix well and whether they have the character.

"From day one, Micah just breezed in. He was vocal, aggressive and he wanted the ball.

"He had no fear and that is the way he performs."

If Richards has a fault it is that he can get caught out of position on occasion. More often than not, his extreme pace gets him out of trouble.

However, McClaren knows mistakes cannot be made against Russia, who are now the main threat to England's place in next summer's Finals.

With a trip to Moscow looming next month, Wednesday's encounter with Guus Hiddink's unbeaten side could prove pivotal.

McClaren is threatening changes, especially if Owen Hargreaves recovers from the thigh strain that kept him out of Saturday's win.

A recall for Hargreaves, or Peter Crouch, who is available after suspension would be extremely harsh on Gareth Barry or Emile Heskey but McClaren is determined to use the weekend triumph as a platform for better things.

"There is no time for celebration," he said.

"All we have done is put ourselves into a position. Winning after winning is always the most difficult thing and we need to follow this up on Wednesday.

"Russia are a very good team - and very well organised, as teams managed by Guus Hiddink always are.

"They don't concede many goals but when they look at the video of this performance, they will be wary of coming to Wembley. That performance has set the bar for what we expect in the future."