The FA chairman Geoff Thompson promised that the organisation would now instigate a "full root and branch examination of the whole England senior team set-up" which would begin "with immediate effect".
"Like every England fan, we are bitterly disappointed that we have failed to qualify," he said. "I know Steve feels that disappointment more than anyone. Of course, we have no divine right to play in any major tournament - but it is quite right that qualification is expected."

McClaren leaves his post as statistically the worst England manager in history, having lost five of his 18 matches in charge. However the FA's chief executive, Brian Barwick, said he had "no regrets" about appointing McClaren on a four-year deal, even though it would cost the FA £2.5m to pay off his contract.

"I don't regret that now; I think he has tried very hard," he said. "But in the end, not qualifying for Euro 2008 means he comes up short. Of course we're embarrassed, disappointed, disappointed like all fans."

But Dave Richards, the Premier League chairman, said that Barwick should not bear the responsibility for appointing McClaren. "Brian has taken a lot of stick about him being the sole person to appoint McClaren. This responsibility has to be shared among us all. It's unfair to say he was Brian's man - he was the FA's man."