FA fires McClaren

Needing only a draw at Wembley to qualify for Euro 2008, England were beaten 2-3 by Croatia last night. Croatia had already qualified, and the other spot from Group E went to Russia.

It was the first time since the 1994 World Cup that England had failed to qualify for a major championship and first since 1984 that the team will miss the Euros.

McClaren said after the game that he would not be quitting, but the 12-man FA board called an emergency board meeting today morning to decide on his dismissal. 8220;Qualifying for a major tournament is probably the minimum requirement,8221; FA chief executive Brian Barwick said at a news conference. 8220;I think that Steve thinks that as well. Not qualifying for Euro 2008 comes up short.8221;

Under McClaren, England won nine games, lost five and drew four. His 18-game tenure was the shortest of any full-time England coach.

8220;Of course, we have no divine right to play in major tournaments, but it is quite right that qualification is expected,8221; Thompson said.

8220;Of course we feel embarrassed,8221; he added. 8220;We expect as a major nation in Europe to qualify for European Championships and World Cups.8221;

The FA itself has come in for scathing criticism, and Barwick took the unusual step of apologising to the fans for the failure. 8220;I care about this passionately,8221; he said. 8220;This hasn8217;t ever been just a job to me. I8217;m in this job because I care about football and football fans and football teams. Last night was a tough night to take.8221;

Jose Mourinho, Hiddink, Scolari, Italy8217;s World Cup winning coach Marcello Lippi and Aston Villa8217;s Martin O8217;Neill are among the names considered as possible replacements for McClaren.