I`ll get rid of the fear - McClaren

Steve McClaren wants his England players to break free from the "shackles" which stop them producing their dazzling club form on the international stage.

McClaren has detected an element of fear during his five years inside the England camp. And one of his first tasks when his squad gather in Manchester on Monday will be to start breaking down those fears and making players feel more at ease.

McClaren said: "When you bring in big players from different clubs, you have to get the shackles off them. You can see the fear factor, of being able to say things to each other what needs to be said."

"We need to get the team coming together so everybody has responsibility and everybody has a say," he added.

"These are the kinds of things you need to get you through those little moments that might go against you.

"We need to get rid of the fear, to get the shackles off and get them playing football for England like we see them week in week out."

McClaren also suspects there was too much expectation heaped on the squad for the World Cup in Germany, stifling their freedom.

Sven-Goran Eriksson tried to pump his players with self-belief by constantly claiming they would win the trophy.

But the new man wants to move away from the hype and tackle big tournaments from a different angle.

McClaren said: "Possibly only Brazil in recent times have been favourites and gone on to win it. Almost always an outsider has come through. Maybe if we lower expectations then we can achieve."