"We are ready for the challenge of keeping them out - but we will want to test the Polish defence as well. We want to do well at this tournament, not just make up the numbers," McAuley, who has won 60 caps for Northern Ireland, told British media.
"There is a real hunger. We know we can be tough to beat, but we have to get the balance right. We are ready to go. There is a little bit of tension building which is a nice feeling."
McAuley is wary of the threat Poland's talisman Robert Lewandowski, who has racked up 34 goals in 76 appearances for his country, will pose.
"Scoring 42 goals (in all competitions) and 13 in the qualifying campaign for this tournament shows you what Lewandowski is capable of. He is a top player for Poland, but they have other threats too," the 36-year-old added.
(Reporting by Ian Rodricks in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)
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