Steve McClaren began his first day as England manager by pledging a clean break with the era of his former boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

McClaren arrived to find a media scrum outside the Football Association's Soho Square headquarters as Eriksson's former assistant started a four-year contract in charge.

"I'm totally different to Sven and his five years," he told Sky Sports News. "I'm going to do it my way.

"I'm going to be different from Sven, but I'll be judged on what I do and I'm looking forward to the big challenge."

McClaren would not be drawn on his choice for the next England captain, after David Beckham gave up the armband following their World Cup quarter-final exit against Portugal.

"Individuals and smaller details we'll get to later," he said.

Chelsea skipper John Terry and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard have both been tipped for the role.

Though England have a friendly against European champions Greece on August 16th, McClaren's main task will be the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, which opens in Group E with a double-header against Andorra and Macedonia on September 2nd and 6th.

"It's very exciting, I can't wait to actually get started," McClaren said.

"I'm starting a great challenge and a great adventure."