Football Association chairman Geoff Thompson admitted England's failure to qualify for next summer's European Championships is an "embarrassment" which left his board with no choice but to sack manager Steve McClaren.

McClaren was officially axed, along with assistant Terry Venables, following an emergency meeting of the 12-man panel at Soho Square this morning - in the wake of Wednesday night's capitulation to Croatia at Wembley.

The search will now begin for a new manager, just 15 months and 18 games after McClaren was appointed, as the FA conduct a "full root-and-branch examination of the whole England senior team set-up."

Despite overwhelming confidence McClaren was the right man to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson following the ill-fated 2006 World Cup campaign, FA chief executive Brian Barwick admits the former Middlesbrough boss came up short in terms of results and performance.

Speaking at a hastily-arranged press conference, chairman Thompson said: "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. We are embarrassed and disappointed, like all fans."

"Of course, we have no divine right to play in any major tournament - but it is quite right that qualification is expected."

The decision to wield the axe was "unanimous", according to chief executive Barwick.

He said: "I spoke to Steve this morning - we get on very well with him. I've had many grown-up conversations and had another one with him this morning - and I can only wish him well.

"But in the end, not qualifying for Euro 2008 comes up short.

"Qualification for a major tournament is probably a minimum requirement."

Barwick added: "I would like to apologise to the fans personally.

"I care about this passionately - it has never been just a job. I'm in it because I care about football, football fans and football teams.

"Last night was a tough, tough night.

"We care about this very much. I understand we have let them down and apologise for that."

Barwick, however, stood by the original decision to hand McClaren a four-year contract.

"The contract is a private contract," he said.

"I don't regret that now; I think he has tried very hard."

McClaren was seen very much as Barwick's man, following what was a protracted and often farcical appointment process on the eve of last summer's World Cup.

However, FA board director and Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards defended the under-fire chief executive.

"Brian has taken a lot of stick about him being the sole person (to appoint McClaren)," said Richards.

"This responsibility has to be shared among us all. It's unfair to say he was Brian's man - he was the FA's man."

The FA board have handed Barwick the "authority to identify" candidates for the England manager's job, which he will then report back to Soho Square officials.

However, Thompson maintained: "There is no definite time frame for an appointment of the new head coach."

Barwick insists he will leave no stone unturned to ensure the "right man" is found to revitalise an England squad full of well-paid, so called 'Golden Generation' of Barclays Premier League players, but which has failed to deliver so far.

Barwick reports the task of finding a head coach will be handled differently now, with "lessons learned" from the past.

Bookmakers have installed former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho as the favourite for the job, with Barwick revealing this time around there will be no clamour for the role to necessarily be filled by an Englishman.

"We will do everything to get the right man for the job," he said.

"It will be done differently. We've got to learn lessons from the way we did it.

"I don't think nationality will be an issue."

Full FA Statement:

'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."'

More news from SportingLife.com