England’s Macca a goner

Hapless Steve McClaren has been sacked as England manager, the Football Association announced.

England are now 11/1 to win the 2010 World Cup with Bodog.

An FA board meeting at Soho Square rubber-stamped McClaren's departure after 18 games in charge – the shortest time of any coach in the post.

McClaren's reign came to a humbling end on Wednesday night with a 3-2 defeat to Croatia at Wembley which ended England's hopes of reaching Euro 2008. FA chairman Geoff Thompson said: "At a meeting of the FA board this morning the FA board unanimously decided to terminate the contract of England head coach Steve McClaren with immediate effect."

He added: "We have also terminated the contract of assistant Terry Venables, also with immediate effect."

Thompson said the FA would launch a review of the England team set-up. This will be led by chief executive Brian Barwick and will begin right away.

Thompson added: "The chief executive has been given authority to identify a new head coach and will report to the board with his recommendations. There is no definite time frame for an appointment of the new head coach. The recruitment process begins now, and we will do everything we can to get the right man for the job."

Thompson told journalists: "Like every England fan, we are bitterly disappointed that we have failed to qualify. 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. I would like to thank Steve for the work he has done. His commitment to the job cannot be questioned, and I wish him the best for the future."

Thompson admitted the failure to qualify was shameful.

"Of course we feel embarrassed. As we said earlier we expect as a major nation in Europe to qualify for the European Championships and World Cups. Of course we're embarrassed, disappointed, disappointed like all fans."