STEVE McCLAREN has declared that England are in the right shape to triumph at Euro 2004.

The Middlesbrough manager, who stepped in as Sven-Goran Eriksson's assistant after Brian Kidd was struck by illness, believes the current England squad has more quality and is better prepared than that of the last World Cup.

McClaren was Eriksson's right-hand man in the Far East two years ago as England reached the quarter-finals before losing to Brazil.

The Boro boss cites the emergence of Wayne Rooney and fitness of the likes of skipper David Beckham and Steven Gerrard, as key plusses.

"I think we're in much better shape than we were going to Japan,'' said McClaren. "There are five players in the squad who didn't go to Japan - Gary Neville and Steven Gerrard were injured and this time we've also got John Terry, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney. They are big players who will play a major part.

"Injury-wise, we're going into this tournament far better. Before Japan, we had the likes of David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Kieron Dyer, Robbie Fowler and Gerrard injured. The big advanatge this time is that, touch wood, people are fit and preparation is always important.

"The first day's training Beckham had was two days before the Sweden game.

"The form of players like Gerrard, Lampard and Terry has been immense - and Michael Owen is scoring goals again.

"I think the team is in far better health and form that it was when we went to Japan.

"I think we have got a chance of winning it - I think we can go all the way.''

McClaren faces a hectic summer - especially if England make it to the final on Sunday, July 4. Boro are due back for pre-season training the next day.

But he insisted: "It's an honour for me and the football club to work for England. I enjoy working with Sven, the staff and the players. Being involved can only help me and Middlesbrough.

"It's two years on from Japan and I would say everybody, including Sven, is better. I would put myself into that, too.

"The experience of Japan was fantastic and, in the meantime, the experience of managing and coaching a Premier League club has also improved me.''

Read more about Middlesbrough here.