Steve McClaren’s reign as England manager got of to a perfect start with an easy 4-0 win over Greece at Old Trafford. The first forty-five minutes in Manchester will have given England fans a fresh sense of belief after the World Cup debacle in the summer. Four goals and some snappy passing tore the Greeks apart before half-time. New skipper John Terry opened the scoring in 12 minutes heading home after a Frank Lampard free-kick caused confusion at the back.

England were two up on the half-hour Lampard running from his own half to collect a ball from Jermaine Defoe before looping the ball over the keeper with the aid of a defenders deflection. It was 3-0 five minutes later Liverpool striker Peter Crouch finishing from close range after Lampard’s shot was saved. Crouch rounded it off heading home a Stewart Downing cross on 42 minutes.

England relaxed in the second-half and Greece had more of the play with their direct approach giving the England defence a good work out.

England coach Steve McClaren said he was delighted with his side's workrate as his first game in charge ended with a resounding 4-0 win over Greece.

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

Steven Gerrard 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 England skipper John 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.