McClaren - I won't resign

By James Pearson   Last updated: 22nd November 2007

Steve McClaren

McClaren: Defiant

Now is not the time for recriminations.

McClaren
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England boss defiant despite dismal defeat

Steve McClaren has insisted he will not resign following England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

Despite qualification being in their own hands, a shocking 3-2 defeat to Croatia at Wembley left them clutching at straws. And with Andorra unable to hold Russia, England's fate was sealed.

However, while England will simply be watching next summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland from home, McClaren has no thoughts of stepping aside.

When asked by Sky Sports News whether he would be tendering his resignation following England's roller-coaster qualifying campaign, he replied: "I have no intention of doing that.

Disappointment

"Now is not the time for recriminations. It's just one of huge disappointment for everyone in this country.

"Ultimately I take responsibility. I pick the team. I said over 12 games I'll be judged, and I will be. That is my job."

England had the worst start possible when Scott Carson - in goal for his first competitive international - allowed Niko Kranjcar's speculative shot slip through his fingers.

Mountain

McClaren refused to lay the blame at the Aston Villa keeper's door, although he did admit the blunder left them with a mountain to climb.

"We didn't get the ideal start. From then it was a mountain to climb. It was a roller-coaster of a game. We wanted to be hard to beat," he continued.

"Obviously he'll be disappointed with the first goal. He made a save in the second half that kept us in the game.

"Risks had to be taken. They were. It was one of those games that we had no control over. Would we score? Would they score? And we've failed."

When asked what he was feeling following England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, he replied: "It's indescribable.

"This was absolutely massive. I'm feeling disappointment and regret, not just for ourselves, but for the nation.

"We've really not delivered and not got the result that we're ready to achieve.

"We gambled and it looked like that gamble paid off. We just failed to hold out."