England sack coach McClaren after Euro 2008 failure

Needing just a point to qualify for the finals, England were beaten 3-2 at home by Croatia on Wednesday night, the first time since the 1994 World Cup that they have failed to reach the finals of a major championship.

 "At a meeting this morning, the FA Board unanimously decided to terminate the contract of England head coach Steve McClaren with immediate effect," FA chairman Geoff Thompson said.

 "The board also terminated the contract of assistant coach Terry Venables.

 "Chief Executive Brian Barwick has been given authority to identify the new head coach and to report back to the Board with his recommendation.

 "There is no definitive time-frame for the recruitment of the new coach.

 Having been No 2 to Sven-Goran Eriksson, McClaren stepped up to become England coach when the Swede stood down after last summer's World Cup. He was 18 months into a four-year contract up to the World Cup in 2010.

 Former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho and current Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill have both been linked with the job.

 "Like every England fan, we are all bitterly disappointed that we have failed to qualify for Euro 2008, and I know Steve feels that disappointment more than anyone," 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 to the job could not be questioned and I wish him the best for the future.

 "The recruitment process for the new coach begins now and we will do everything to get the right man for the job."

McClaren held a press conference of his own later on Thursday and described it as "one of the saddest days of my career."

   "I was honoured to be the England head coach and for 18 months I've enjoyed every minute," he said.

 "It is a sad day to have been relieved of my duties but I understand the decision of the FA."

   "I believe I'm a better manager than I was 18 months ago. I will recover and I'll bounce back. I'll wait for the next challenge. It's failure, but I'll learn from that and I'll move on."

 DPA