THE FA Steve McClaren was in charge of the England senior team for 18 games. READ ALOUD FA statement 22 November 2007 VIDEO: FA Press Conference The FA confirm that the contract of Steve McClaren will be terminated with immediate effect. At a meeting this morning, The FA Board unanimously decided to terminate the contract of England Head Coach Steve McClaren with immediate effect.
The Board also terminated the contract of Assistant Coach Terry Venables.
The Board have agreed that there will now be a full root and branch examination of the whole England senior team set-up, which will begin with immediate effect. This will be led by Brian Barwick reporting into the Chairman, who will update the Board.
Chief Executive Brian Barwick has been given authority to identify the new Head Coach and to report back to the Board with his recommendation. There is no definitive timeframe for the recruitment of the new Coach.
FA Chairman Geoff Thompson said, "Like every England fan, we are all bitterly disappointed that we have failed to qualify for Euro 2008, and I know Steve feels that disappointment more than anyone.
"Of course we have no divine right to play in major tournaments, but it is quite right that qualification is expected.
"I would like to thank Steve for the work he has done since taking on the position last summer. His commitment to the job could not be questioned and I wish him the best for the future.
"The recruitment process for the new Coach begins now and we will do everything to get the right man for the job."
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England did win this October 13, 2007 match versus Estonia, 3-0 at Wembley Stadium. 
Steve McClaren and his deputy Terry Venables have both been sacked by the English Football Association after a unanimous decision by board members during an emergency meeting held earlier today. 

The decision was announced by the FA chief executive Brian Barwick in a press conference held this morning after widespread speculation due to the poor performance of the English national team which last night failed to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2008 competition.  The cost of removing him from his post is thought to cost £2.6 million.

According to a study by the Centre for Economic and Business Research, missing out on Euro 2008 could cost the British economy as much as £1 billion. 

The recruiting process has already started to find the next manager for the team, only 18 months after 46-year-old McClaren was given the role.  During the press conference the FA admitted that not qualifying for the competition was "embarrassing".