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.
نرشح لكم
لا سداسية ولا خماسية.. باريس سان جيرمان يخسر السوبر الفرنسي من لانس
أليسون: متحمسون للموسم الجديد.. وعلينا العمل للعودة إلى البطولات
أورنيستين: إيميليانو مارتينيز لن ينتقل إلى يوفنتوس بعد محادثات بين الناديين
كوكوريا: سعيد بالتواجد مع زملائي الجدد.. وتلقيت الكثير من رسائل الدعم
تقرير: تشيلسي يحدد سعر بيع نيكولاس جاكسون
فوز وتعادل.. ليفربول يخوض وديتين ضد كومو في نفس اليوم
تقرير: ليفربول يستعد لتقديم عرض جديد لـ سان جيرمان من أجل باركولا
سيباستيان بوكونولي مدربا لمنتخب اسكتلندا











