McClaren: Sven's coven (LaurenceGriffiths/Allsport)

The Middlesbrough manager confirmed his intention to stay as a key member of Eriksson's back-room staff in a phone call to the 52-year-old Swede last Thursday.

Self-improvement was central to him continuing his dual role as Premiership team boss and international coach. 'I'm certain it'll make me a better coach and better manager,' he said.

But, in the end it was pride, passion; the support of Boro chairman Steve Gibson; his reluctance to quit with the job half done; and the understanding of his wife and family that were uppermost in the decision which ended speculation he was about to cut his England ties.

He said: 'To represent your country at the highest level is a tremendous honour and not many people get the opportunity. I'm not a flag-waving patriot but having gone through what we did in the World Cup both in the build-up and the tournament, you realise what it means to you as a person and a coach. It's something extra special.

'It was a disappointment to go out to Brazil and it's left me feeling there is unfinished business to be dealt with. There's a lot of potential in the squad and the country and I think I can contribute to us reaching that potential.

'The six weeks we were together was a memory I'll always treasure and would love to experience again. It was a terrific family atmosphere,both in terms of the dressing room and the back-room staff.

'We all struck up a bond of friend-ship that I'm sure will remain and survive the fierce competition that will be inevitable at club level. I hope they learned something - I know I learned from them.

But it wasn't just the players, Sven has a tremendous staff who make things smooth and easy. I got a lot of assistance, not just from Sven, but Tord Grip, Sammy Lee, Ray Clemence and the rest.

'First and foremost I enjoy working with Sven. He gives me a lot of freedom within the framework he lays down. I feel totally involved, especially preparing for big games.

'I did discuss my situation with him after it was all over. I was uncertain about what I wanted and I put him in the picture. We decided to let the dust settle and see what happened but as the weeks have gone by I've become more certain about staying on.'

McClaren admitted the tingle of pitting his wits against the world's top coaches and players was also something he was loathe to turn his back on.

He said: 'How can you fail to be excited by those top matches England have played in the past year or so. They don't come any higher than Brazil in a World Cup quarter-final, or Argentina, Sweden, Nigeria, Denmark and, before that, a 5-1 win in Germany. It's mind boggling really.

'When I was at Manchester United I was fortunate to play a part in three championship victories; a Treble and the world club championship. I thrive on those big occasions and that's my aim at Middlesbrough, to have more.'

He is confident he can handle the two roles and he disclosed that the seeds of Juninho's £6m return to the Riverside Stadium were sown when he spoke to the Brazilian in Japan.

McClaren said: 'As far as Middlesbrough are concerned, the spin-offs of being with England are two-fold. There's the experience of working at international level - that can only improve me as a coach which in turn will be an asset in my job at the club and give it a greater profile. And I also believe the contacts I make will not only help me spot potential signings but also assist in attracting them here.

'If I thought for a second that my England involvement was detrimental to Middlesbrough I'd walk away in an instant. I'm not under contract with England. It's not a long-term thing and Middlesbrough is my first priority.

'And. contrary to some nonsense I've read, I have the chairman's full support.'

The final part of the jig-saw fell into place after long discussions with his wife Kathryn and their three sons. 'That's been a major consideration,' he said. 'I have their total backing.'

McClaren will renew England acquaintances for next month's friendly against Portugal at Villa Park.