England have not won under McClaren in four games

England boss Steve McClaren remains confident his team will qualify for the Euro 2008 finals despite their run of poor form.

McClaren's team have not won in four games following the 1-0 friendly defeat by Spain on Wednesday.

England are third in Group E and face two crucial qualifiers away to Israel and Andorra in March.

"I believe in these players and I believe in my ability to do the job and get us qualified," said McClaren.

"I have never been in any doubt about it. I know there is a great determination within the squad.

We know the criticism will fly but we all have to keep our nerve Steve McClaren

"They are as disappointed as everybody that we have not won the last four games - but it is the Israel game where they will be judged.

"This is a big year for us. But it is where we are at the end that counts, not what happens in the beginning."

McClaren and his team were heavily criticised after Andres Iniesta's goal sunk his team on Wednesday - but the coach insists his team have the character to take the negative publicity that comes their way.

"We know the criticism will fly but at times like this we all have to keep our nerve," he added.

"We know what we are doing and we know where we are. We also know in six weeks' time we will have a completely different situation to what we have at present.

"We are disappointed to lose but we must stay positive. We will be ready in six weeks' time."

But after England were booed off by unhappy fans at Old Trafford the England coach admitted some players needed to improve.

"There were a few performances which weren't up to their usual standards," he said.

"That is the disappointing aspect of this performance. The players know that and it will be made clear."

Paul Robinson did not start in goal on Wednesday - with McClaren handing a debut to Ben Foster - while Wayne Rooney, Owen Hargreaves, Aaron Lennon and John Terry missed out through illness and injury but are likely to be fit when England next play.

"There are no excuses but there are reasons," said McClaren of Wednesday's defeat.

"The whole situation changed radically from naming the squad on Friday to naming the team on Wednesday. Spain had no drop-outs, we had eight or nine.

"There will be no problem lifting the players for the Israel game."

606 DEBATE: Your views on England's defeat