Steve McClaren apologised for England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008 - but refused to step down as manager following the Croatia defeat.After the 3-2 defeat at Wembley which saw Russia qualify for next summer's tournament ahead of his side, McClaren expressed his regret and offered an apology to the fans.

But the former Middlesbrough manager firmly insisted he would not stand down as national team boss.

He told BBC News 24: "I'm not stepping down. Ultimately I take responsibility and I accept that. It was my job to get us qualified and I failed to do that.

"I don't want to discuss my future at the present moment. I am trying to get over that result.

"We feel exactly the same (as the fans), believe you me, we know how they are feeling. You should see the dressing room, they are so disappointed to have let so many people down."

He added on Sky News: "I pick the team and said over the 12 games I would be judged and I will be."

Asked if he would resign, McClaren said: "No. I have no intention of doing that.

"Obviously it's not for me to decide, I'm not discussing anything at this present moment.

"I am not looking to the future, I am thinking about this game, what could have been, what wasn't, and really how we get over this."

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