STEVE McClaren said whether he was first or second choice for the England job was neither here nor there - at the end of the day he was the choice for the England job.

Current Middlesbrough boss McClaren, who will assist Sven-Goran Eriksson at this summers World Cup in Germany, did not consider himself second choice following the Football Associations much-publicised recent talks with Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

He said: "I don't see it as a case of first choice or second choice.

"I am the choice and I sit here as the next England coach.

"I am results-orientated and I'm here to do a job, win matches and make sure England over the next four years win a major trophy.

"If I can do that I'm sure my popularity will rise - it's certainly not an issue for me."

McClaren claimed he was experiencing the proudest moment of my career after being unveiled as Eriksson's successor.

The 45-year-old has signed a four-year contract and will take over on August 1.

He said: "I've had many great moments in football but this has to be the proudest moment in my career.

"To manage your country is the greatest honour which can be bestowed on anyone."