McClaren: I've let nation down

Steve McClaren has admitted that he has let the nation down in failing to qualify for Euro 2008 after the shock 3-2 defeat to Croatia. McClaren famously said "judge me over 12 games", and the FA have done so, and McClaren has been fired.

"It is an indescribable pain," he said.

"There is so much expectation, both from the fans in the stadium and the people watching on TV at home.

"We have let them down. We know what they are feeling - we are feeling exactly the same.

"I take responsibility. Ultimately, I said judge me over 12 games. We deserve to be where we finish and we have not deserved to qualify. That is my responsibility.

"There were so many high hopes among the nation and the fans and we have failed to qualify," reflected McClaren. "We have not delivered.

"Before the game, it was unthinkable we would concede three goals at home.

"Mistakes cost us and the start cost us. It was always going to be difficult after that.

"We knew we would have to take risks but Croatia looked like scoring every time they went forward. That is the disappointment for me. I thought we would be harder to beat."