Liverpool midfielder Gerrard revealed the England squad enjoyed a trip to a comedy club this week as part of McClaren's attempt to foster an improved team-spirit among his players.

McClaren's men start their bid to reach the Euro 2008 finals when they take on Andorra at Old Trafford on Saturday before a trip to Macedonia next Wednesday.

And Gerrard admitted the club-style camaraderie being built by McClaren and his assistant Terry Venables should stand England in good stead as they try to bounce back from the disappointment of their World Cup quarterfinal exit against Portugal.

Gerrard said: "We went to a comedy place and had a few comedians who were fantastic. They got us giggling and that helps to bring the boys together.

"The manager wants to have a club feel around the squad and hopefully we will see the benefit of that.

"It's nice to relax and then we can concentrate on the fixtures we've got coming up.

"First impressions of the new set-up is that everything is fresh and everyone is enjoying it, but we will be always be judged by results."

Although England qualified for every major tournament under former coach Sven Goran Eriksson, there was a feeling among fans and experts that the team never fulfilled their potential.

Gerrard, who should win his 50th cap against Macedonia next week, was one of those players who has struggled to reproduce his swashbuckling club displays in an England shirt.

But McClaren has handed Gerrard a license to attack more now and the Anfield skipper says that underlines his determination to win with style rather than just grind out results.

The first signs of the change bearing fruit came in the recent 4-0 friendly win over Greece and Gerrard said: "I really enjoyed the role the manager gave me against Greece. We absolutely destroyed them.

"It's a similar role to the way I've played for my club. I had the shackles off and was able to get into the box.

"It would be nice to build on the performance against Greece. The manager has told me he will use me in different roles depending on the opposition but he wants more performances like I've had for my club.

"The most important thing is to qualify but we know the fans have been frustrated by some of our performances.

"It's important to win with style and that's what Steve is trying to do. Hopefully that will come out on the pitch."