Jonathan Woodgate
© AFP/File Andrew Yates

LONDON (AFP) - Woodgate was not included in McClaren's squad for this week's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Macedonia and Croatia.

But the England boss saw him produce another excellent performance for Middlesbrough at Sheffield United on Sunday.

Former Boro boss McClaren said: "He was very close to this squad and he's one who we are looking at."

The England boss wants to see Woodgate string more games together after a nightmare sequence of injuries plagued his last two seasons at Real Madrid.

McClaren said: "He has a good opportunity at Middlesbrough. It's his home town and he's playing well at the moment.

"But his games have been limited and he has to build up that kind of fitness over a season."

Woodgate, 26, won the last of his five England caps in Sweden in March 2004.

It was the same game when Scott Parker last played for his country and the Newcastle midfielder is back in the England squad this week.

Woodgate's form since joining his hometown club Middlesbrough on loan from Madrid has been impressive.

He has started four consecutive Premiership games and will present McClaren with a selection problem in central defence if his progress continues.

McClaren admits Andrew Johnson's prolific form since returning to the Premiership with Everton has re-ignited his England career.

Johnson, 25, has scored six times for the Merseysiders since his summer switch from Crystal Palace.

Wayne Rooney and Peter Crouch will probably start up front when England play Macedonia on Saturday but Johnson may have leapfrogged Jermain Defoe in the pecking order.

McClaren said: "When you look at the strikers, Jermain has come in and played three and done very well when he's played with Peter Crouch.

"But for me Andy Johnson is the one who is really coming through.

I've seen him two or three times and he's really impressed me with his work ethic and the way he works for the team."

©AFP