England players must earn their place - McClaren

Steve McClaren has told his England players to prove to him they deserve their place in the new era.

McClaren gathered his players for the first time since he took over the top job from Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Eriksson and David Beckham were obviously missing but the squad were back at Manchester United's training ground where they prepared for their doomed World Cup mission.

McClaren continued his theme about breaking with the past and searching for a new direction ahead of his first game against Greece.

He promised to give the players a chance and Owen Hargreaves, who hopes to benefit by becoming an England regular, welcomed the new regime.

Hargreaves said: "It's not that long since we all saw each other — but it's a different team and a different time with a new manager.

"It's only been a few weeks but I think things have changed. We all know things will be different.

"Steve McClaren told us that everyone controls their own situation, that every player in the squad today has the opportunity to prove himself and keep his England shirt."

Since naming his squad last Friday, McClaren has spoken about his desire to forge an England team with pace and width.

Steven Gerrard worked on the right of midfield in McClaren's first session and Stewart Downing on the left.

New captain John Terry, Peter Crouch, Frank Lampard and Jamie Carragher were all rested from the session after their efforts in the FA Community Shield yesterday.

But McClaren's team selection in training still offered clues to his plans for Wednesday night's friendly.

Dean Ashton and Jermain Defoe were paired up front and Gerrard played on the right, where he played regularly for Liverpool last season.

Hargreaves and Lampard could be given the chance in central midfield with Downing offering balance on the left.

McClaren will probably stick with Eriksson's tried and tested back-four of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Terry and Ashley Cole.

Nonetheless, while McClaren may have made a good impression on his players fans don't seem too excited about his first game at the helm.

The Football Association have only sold about half of the tickets for the friendly at Old Trafford.