The former Three Lions boss, who also travelled to two World Cups with England as assistant coach to Sven Goran Eriksson, was encouraged by some of the things he saw during their three games at the competition.
McClaren during his time with FC Twente in the Netherlands
And despite an early exit after the group stages in South America, McClaren says there are still positive signs for the future that can be taken from aspects of the performances over the last ten days.
"What I have seen with England is a change in style of play which everybody has clamoured for – youngsters, possession football, attacking play and free-flowing football," said the Derby County boss.
"Two years ago, England had two banks of four, and were very compact – defending deep, relying on counter-attacks and set-pieces to win games.
"Now, quite rightly, we are trying to adapt with these younger players coming through, expanding the game and opening it up more."
McClaren also remains hopeful for the future, having kept a close eye on England’s young players at development level over the last few years.
With John Peacock’s U17s crowned as Euro Champions just last month and a number of Gareth Southgate’s Under-21s group in his own squad at Derby, McClaren has a strong knowledge of what could be in store.
But he also wants to see more homegrown coaches coming through to help the best of the English talent realise the extent of their potential, both at club and international level.
"England U17s have just won the European Championships for the second time in four years," he added.
"So we have the youngsters, we have the talent and what we need is our coaches to be educated to the quality of the German and Dutch coaches.
"That is why we are getting so many, not just foreign players coming in, but also foreign coaches and foreign managers.
"We have to really emphasise the English game, English players, English coaches and English managers. Then I can see our game progressing."
