Although England remain fourth they are now within a point of Russia and have cut the difference with Croatia to three. Israel, who have played a match more, are also three points ahead.
McClaren said: "We have still got a lot to prove - we can't think we have turned the corner because we haven't yet.
"But it's in our hands now, this was a big result for us - we had to win it, we won it comfortably and professionally and that puts us back in the group.
"Four of the last five games are at Wembley and we saw on Friday what a great atmosphere and home it's going to be for England."
McClaren hailed Beckham as "immense" after the Real Madrid midfielder created goals for Peter Crouch and Michael Owen.
England had been set on their way by Joe Cole's excellent finish from a Crouch header.
McClaren said: "David was immense. He has set up three of the four goals we have scored since he came back and that's why he's in the team.
"He got a knock early on but didn't want to come off and when he's playing like that he's invaluable to us but once we got the second and third we could allow him to take a breather.Labels: football fc, football news |
