Football bosses today launched full inquiry into England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.
At a press conference to announce that coach Steve McClaren had been fire FA chairman Geoff Thompson said the board had ordered a ''root and branch'' review of the arrangements around the senior team.
He said: ''At a meeting of the board this morning, the FA board unanimously decided to terminate the contract of the England head coach Steve McClaren with immediate effect.
''Like every England fan, we are all bitterly disappointed that we have failed to qualify for Euro 2008.
''I know that Steve feels that disappointment more than anyone.'' FA chief executive Brian Barwick said: ''I would like to apologise to the fans personally.
''I care about this passionately. I'm in this job because I care about football and football fans and football teams.
''I understand that we have let them down and I apologise for that.''
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