McClaren's side scored all four goals in the first half

"It was a great performance, especially that first half, it was the one that we wanted and the one that we asked for," McClaren said.

"We defended well and as a team we worked very hard.

"We controlled the game through our possession, passing, our patience and our switching of play."

McClaren said he was particularly pleased with his side's attacking approach.

"We brought out the best in our players and we played with a bit of freedom," he said.

"Once the first goal went in you could see the freedom, the fear left and the passing was excellent. Some of the performances were outstanding."

We have set the standards and now we have to maintain them Steven Gerrard

New captain John Terry was keen to temper the post-match euphoria, despite describing the occasion as a "dream come true".

"The whole night really could not have gone any better," he said after his goal set England on their way after 14 minutes.

"I've said it 100 times, I couldn't feel any more proud than I do now.

"It was a great result and a great performance, but we have to make sure we carry it on in the same vein."

Steven Gerrard, Terry's vice-captain, was one of those players who enjoyed more freedom in McClaren's formation which saw Owen Hargreaves take on the defensive midfield role.

Although Gerrard occupied the right hand side of midfield he had clearly been given licence to roam too and he was delighted with the way the match went.

He said: "It would have been nice to get a couple more goals in the second half, but the game was won after the first half, when we were superb.

"You have to give us credit. We made Greece look a poor team because of the way we pressed them and suffocated them.

"We have set the standards and now we have to maintain them."

Gerrard also paid tribute to new skipper Terry.

"He is a fantastic leader on the pitch and a great guy. He leads by example and the manager has made the right decision," added Gerrard.