McClaren sacked

Steve McClaren has been sacked as England manager after failing to qualify for Euro 2008. It is reported that McClaren has been given a £2.5m 'golden handshake' compensation package in order to leave. The under-fire boss will go down in history alongside Graham Taylor et al as one of the worst English managers in history.

After the game, McClaren insisted he would not resign despite England's failure. "I'm not stepping down. Ultimately I take responsibility and I accept that," McClaren told the BBC.

"It was my job to get us qualified and I failed to do that. I don't want to discuss my future at the present moment. I am trying to get over that result.

"We feel exactly the same as the fans, believe you me, we know how they are feeling. You should see the dressing room, they are so disappointed to have let so many people down.

"I pick the team and said over the 12 games I would be judged and I will be, but I have no intention of resigning," he added.

At the start of his rein, McClaren asked to be judged on the results of their qualifying campaign for Euro 2008 and his team's spectacular failure signaled his almost inevitable departure.

The speculation will now turn to his successor with Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill installed as the early favorite, with other names such as former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Italy's Fabio Capello being touted,