Soccer: McClaren - I can cope with dual role

Steve McClaren has vowed to continue his role as England number two despite accusations he is neglecting his duties as Middlesbrough boss.

The former Manchester United assistant has made a disappointing start to his full managerial career at the Riverside.

Boro are pointless and only above Leicester at the foot of the Premiership by virtue of goal difference.

McClaren faced talk earlier in the week that he had left Boro in the lurch when he joined up with England for training prior to the clash against Germany.

But he said: "Coaching England is something I committed myself to when I agreed to join Middlesbrough.

"I think it's an honour for Middlesbrough to have me helping out the national team, it is good for the club's profile, which means it helps in attracting players to Middlesbrough.

"In this day and age, with all the modern technology we have at our disposal, there is no way I would need to neglect my Middlesbrough duties while I am with England. So, why do it?"