England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008 might prove to be a blessing in disguise. For once there can be no excuses – we can’t blame penalties, we can’t blame bad luck and we can’t blame the referee – England simply were not good enough.
FA chief executive Brian Barwick will not rush to appoint the next England manager. Barwick has been given responsibility for choosing Steve McClaren's replacement but he can take his time as England's next game will probably be a friendly against Switzerland in February. It has been suggested England appoint a caretaker manager for the time being and wait until the summer to make a permanent appointment.
More on England's Euro 2008 failure
The MSN UK News Editor's blog brings you a round up of what the papers had to say in the aftermath of England's failure to progress to the finals of Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.
McClaren has failed to provide his squad of supposed superstars with a team ethos or coherent method of play and he bows out with the highest losing percentage of any England manager ever. Hotlist Sport examines the pivotal moments of Steve McClaren’s reign.
Test your knowledge of how the home nations performed during their qualifying campaigns for the Euro 2008 tournament.
England’s abject Euro 2008 qualification campaign reached its nadir with a catastrophic home defeat to Croatia that deservedly cost Steve McClaren his job. Despite the media vilification and intense scrutiny that accompanies the position, a shortlist of potential replacements already exists. Hotlist Sport examines the leading contenders to become the England manager.
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McClaren's sacking
- Was the FA right to sack Steve McClaren?
- Yes, he was awful.
76% - Not sure.
7% - No, he should be given more time.
17%
- Yes, he was awful.
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