Slaven Bilic has expressed his sympathy for Steve McClaren after he lost his job as England boss.
Bilic's Croatia side defeated England 3-2 on a dramatic night at Wembley to deny them a place in Euro 2008.
McClaren paid the price on Thursday morning as the Football Association decided to terminate his contract, but Bilic feels he was extremely unlucky with injuries.
Bilic also believes Euro 2008 will be a poorer competition without England.
He told Sky Sports News: "I wasn't surprised (by McClaren's sacking). It is natural to sack a manager after such a big country as England does not qualify.
"He has to take a percentage of the blame but he did not have a full squad for the 12 games and you have to feel sorry for him.
"I told Steve McClaren before the game that I felt sorry for him because he is really, really unlucky with injuries.
"You have a strong base but it is not the same if you are without Terry, Ferdinand, Rooney, Owen, Heskey and (Ashley) Cole.
"The second thing is that our group was the most difficult one. All three teams - Russia, Croatia and England should be there (at Euro 2008).
"A big tournament will not be the same without England and the whole of Europe will miss England and their fans."
Croatia had already clinched their qualification for next summer's tournament but Bilic still thinks the victory was hugely important for his side.
He said: "We were very pleased, the whole nation was very pleased. We got a big reception when we arrived home.
"We respect the English team a lot but I knew we would have chances.
"We also showed a lot of character after England had come back from 2-0 to 2-2."
Bilic has enhanced his own reputation as a coach by leading Croatia impressively to top spot in Group E, but he admits he would like to work in the Premier League one day.
"I would love to. That would be the proof that I was doing something good," he said.
"I would not swap my job at the moment for anything but I do see myself as a club manager in the future."
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