McClaren pays for England's failure

Steve McClaren said it had been one of "the saddest days of my career" after he was sacked as manager along with assistant Terry Venables following the 3-2 defeat by Croatia which ended England's UEFA EURO 2008™ hopes.

'My responsibility'
McClaren, who was told of his dismissal after a Football Association (FA) board meeting this morning, said: "Eighteen months ago [my appointment] was the proudest day of my career. I was honoured to be the England head coach and I've enjoyed every minute." The former Middlesbrough FC manager added: "I have huge disappointment for the nation and fans, but I will learn from my failure." The 46-year-old also accepted the FA's decision, saying: "It is my responsibility. I live and die by results and the results have not gone my way. I said judge me on qualification and people have."

'Bitterly disappointed'
The FA decided to terminate both McClaren and Venables' contracts following a disastrous end to the campaign. England needed just a point against Croatia to qualify, but came unstuck on a heavy pitch at Wembley. FA chairman Geoff Thompson said: "Like every England fan, we are all bitterly disappointed that we have failed to qualify, and I know Steve feels that disappointment more than anyone."

'No divine right'
McClaren took over from Sven-Göran Eriksson after the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals with a mission to take England to next summer's competition in Austria and Switzerland. Thompson said: "Of course we have no divine right to play in major tournaments, but it is quite right that qualification is expected. I would like to thank Steve for the work he has done since taking on the position last summer. His commitment could not be questioned and I wish him the best for the future."

New coach
FA chief executive Brian Barwick has been charged with searching for a new coach and will report back to the board with recommendations, although there is no deadline for when the next manager will be named. Thompson said: "The recruitment process for the new coach begins now and we will do everything to get the right man for the job." England finished third in Group E behind section winners Croatia and Russia, who took second place with a 1-0 victory in Andorra in their final qualifier.