McClaren has come in for fierce criticism after England's 1-0 friendly defeat by Spain midweek -- their fourth game without a win.

But Ferguson believes his former assistant at Old Trafford, who was appointed England's coach after last summer's World Cup finals, is good enough to do the job and should be given time to get it right.

"He's got fantastic potential and I think you should support him more because it will be a shame if that potential is not realised," Ferguson told reporters on Friday.

"In 10 years from now you may regret (it) because he may go back to club football and do exceptionally well because in that time he will be more experienced."

McClaren spent two-and-a-half years working under Ferguson at United before leaving in 2001 to become manager of Middlesbrough, a job he combined with working as former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson's number-two.

"I have no doubts about Steve's ability, absolutely none at all. Within my own mind I know that he is determined enough. He will not be enjoying what's happening to him. Nobody enjoys getting criticism," Ferguson said.

"Once he gets that ... victory -- hopefully he gets the next one -- then it will open up for him."

Ferguson believes the media coverage of England's performances is also inhibiting the players, who are now under pressure to get a positive result in their next Euro 2008 qualifying game in Israel on March 24.

"I think one of the biggest problems of the England job is the press itself," Ferguson said.

"I think the English players are now fearing bad performances because of the reaction of the press and I think that's had a detrimental effect."