McClaren, who doubles up as one of Eriksson’s assistant coaches with England, would certainly be one of the favourites when the top job does become available.

“I am very ambitious but I’ve got to keep achieving at Middlesbrough to maybe get an opportunity later on in my career,” he said.

“It is flattering to be linked. International football is so different to domestic football and I know that.

“I’ve been working with England for three or four years now. All that experience is useful.

“I achieved a lot at Manchester United. I always worked with the top players, I have come here and become the first man in 10 years to win a trophy.

“Those are the credentials I believe I have got.”

McClaren’s credentials have been supported by Frank Clarke, vice-chairman of the League Managers’ Association.

Many LMA members would prefer an Englishman to take over from Eriksson – the likes of West Ham boss Alan Pardew have been outspoken on the issue in the last week – and Clarke agrees.

“It would be better for our association and the English game as a whole if we had an English manager,” Clarke told BBC Radio Five Live.

“They appointed Sven because they thought he was best man around. We are not against foreign managers and we support him totally.

“It should be the best man for the job. And the English coaches have to approve they are the best managers. I think we have some very talented young English coaches working in the Premier League.

“And I would have thought when the job does become available guys like McClaren and Sam Allardyce will be considered.”

McClaren – who is “on the verge” of signing a new contract with Middlesbrough – will be pulling on his England hat again this week ahead of vital World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Northern Ireland.

He admitted some anger and frustration still lingers following that defeat in Copenhagen and a few things will be said when the squad meets up to begin preparations for the games in Cardiff on Saturday and Belfast next Wednesday.

“There is certainly some disappointment and anger about that performance which is still there and will have to be talked about when we meet up because certain things in that game we are not pleased about,” said McLaren.

“They can’t go on because it’s World Cup year. We can’t afford any slip ups and it is better to be ironed out in friendly games.

“At the top level players know what they have got to do and know where they are letting themselves down.

“They have to approach it in a calm manner because the players know. At this level you have pride and ambition to put it right.”