Steve McLaren mercifully sacked

November 24, 2007

Steve McLaren was fired Friday as the coach of England's underachieving soccer team.

"It is the saddest day in my career."

LONDON -- Steve McLaren has been dumped as the coach of England's soccer team.

His ouster came Thursday during an emergency meeting of England's Football Association, 24 hours after a stunning 3-2 loss to Croatia.

That defeat eliminated England from the Euro 2008 Tournament and caused the nation to fail to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since the 1994 World Cup Finals.

England needed only a draw to advance.

"It is a sad day to have been relieved of my duties but I understand the decision of the FA," the 46-year-old McLaren said during a news conference. "I have huge disappointment for the nation and fans. It is the saddest day in my career ... . I was honored to be England's head coach and I've enjoyed every minute."

He served just 18 months of a four-year contract.