Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe staged impressive displays during England's 5-0 win over Andorra, both scoring twice.
But McClaren has already chosen who of the two strikers will get the axe when Rooney returns from his two-match ban.
"I know who will be replaced when Wayne comes back, but we're not looking any further than Macedonia at the moment," McClaren told British media.
"Wayne Rooney is a massive influence on our team," he said.
"He's very valuable, but he needs competition and people are coming to the fore."
Even with Rooney returning to the team, McClaren has promised no one can assume they will stay in.
His strategy is a vast departure from previous coach Sven Goran Eriksson's selection policy.
"Nobody is a permanent fixture," McClaren said.
"They have to work hard for their clubs in between and show form and then, when they come to England, perform well for the team."
Although England opened their qualification campaign in style, McClaren has made it clear he is depending on every member of the team.
"You can't rely on 11 players, you have to have a squad," he said.
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مؤتمر جوارديولا: انتصرنا في 7 مباريات متتالية لكننا لسنا في وضع جيد
ليكيب: وفاة جان لويس جاسيه مدرب كوت ديفوار السابق
ساليبا: أرسنال قادر على حصد الرباعية هذا الموسم
تقرير: عرض إماراتي يعيد بالوتيلي للمشهد بعد تجربة جنوى
تقرير: تعقيدات مالية تجمد مفاوضات نابولي لضم ماينو من مانشستر يونايتد
لا جازيتا ديلو سبورت: يلديز يضع شرطين لتجديد عقده مع يوفنتوس
سبورت: برشلونة يحدد هدفه الدفاعي الأول في يناير
لا جازيتا ديلو سبورت: يوفنتوس يحلم بالتعاقد مع تونالي.. وديفيد قد يكون المفتاح











