STEVE McCLAREN last night maintained his coaching stint with England at Euro 2004 won't undermine Middlesbrough's maiden European campaign next season.

The Carling Cup-winning boss yesterday answered England's distress call when he agreed to reprise the role of right-hand man to Sven-Goran Eriksson in Portugal this summer.

McClaren has stepped into the breach after Eriksson's assistant Brian Kidd was forced to pull out of the tournament following surgery for prostate cancer.

McClaren, No 2 to Eriksson on a part-time basis during the last World Cup, stood down 18 months ago to concentrate on Boro's quest for honours.

But he has received the blessing of chairman Steve Gibson to link up again with England.

McClaren, who will lead Boro into the UEFA Cup next season, said: "Naturally I am extremely disappointed for Kiddo. He was looking forward to the championships and his experience will be a big miss, but his health has to come first and I wish him a very speedy recovery.

"It really wasn't a difficult decision to make, especially as my club has been so supportive. I am very grateful for the backing I have received from Steve Gibson and chief executive Keith Lamb.

"We all feel I can fulfil the dual role over the summer. Of course I have had a taste at this level before and enjoyed it.

"It was a tough choice to give it up at the time, but one I felt was right for my club and my family life.

"However, this is an exciting one-off opportunity and I could not have been happier than when I was asked by Sven to work with him again.

"It will be a big challenge but I am sure we can do well in the finals. I know most of the players from my first spell with England and I know we have a lot of quality. It's an exciting challenge and one I will thrive on.

"It's a tremendous honour to be involved with the national team and I have always enjoyed my relationship with Sven and the rest of the coaches and players.

"Euro 2004 is a huge tournament and I know from my experience at the World Cup just how exciting it will be."

Eriksson is indebted to McClaren, who has been tipped as the man most likely to emerge as the Swede's long-term successor.

"It is very good for England that we can bring in someone of Steve's calibre at this late stage,'' said Eriksson, whose side open their Group B campaign with a game against defending champions France in Lisbon a month tomorrow.

"I know Steve very well and respect his abilities as a top-class coach. I am looking forward to working with him again.

"We are fortunate that Steve is familiar with the players and the staff and understands how things work at international level.

"We came close in the World Cup two years ago. This year we want to return to England as European Champions.

"Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Middlesbrough Football Club for their co-operation. Steve is doing an excellent job there and everyone at the FA appreciates the great understanding shown by Steve Gibson and Keith Lamb at this time."

Eriksson added: "I am very sorry Brian will not be part of the coaching team this summer, but I fully respect his decision and his professionalism.

"Brian has played a key role in qualifying for Euro 2004 and in the ongoing development of the team. He is a top-quality coach who is admired by everyone he works with."

Kidd, who joined the England set-up in February last year, said: "Physically, I don't believe I could fully contribute to the level of coaching that will be required at the European Championship.

"Therefore I have spoken to Sven several times and have decided that it is in the interests of everyone involved with England that I do not travel to Portugal.

"Working with England is an enormous pleasure and privilege, but it would not be fair on Sven or the players if I were to be at less than 100 per cent. Of course I will be watching all the games and wishing England all the best."