England Soccer Head Coach Steve McClaren is Fired

I was kinda' expecting this.

After England's horrific 3-2 loss to Croatia that will force the mother country of soccer to miss the Euro 2008 Championships, Steve McClaren got his ass fired after all those weird key decisions he made during that fateful game.

For all ya'll who missed it, England head coach Steve McClaren did made some questionable decisions during their fixture with Croatia that probably caused them the trip to Euro 2008.

One of which is starting Scott Carson at goalkeeper for just his second international appearance instead of starting his star goalie, Paul Robinson. The result was TWO quick goals for Croatia.

Oh yeah, for some reason, McClaren also opted to bench David Beckham in the first half. When McClaren finally played Beckham in the second, Beckham came up with a cross that evened things up 2-2.

My my...

This is the first time England failed to qualify for a major tournament since the 1994 World Cup. This is also the first time England missed the Euro championships since way waaay back in 1984.

Steve McClaren said after the game that he would not be quitting, but the 12-man FA board called an emergency board meeting Thursday morning to decide on his dismissal.

''Qualifying for a major tournament is probably the minimum requirement,'' FA chief executive Brian Barwick said at a news conference. ''I think that Steve thinks that as well. Not qualifying for Euro 2008 comes up short.''

Under the Steve McClaren regime, England won nine games, lost five and drew four. His 18-game tenure was the shortest of any full-time England coach.

''Of course we have no divine right to play in major tournaments, but it is quite right that qualification is expected,'' FA chairman Geoff Thompson said. ''Of course we feel embarrassed. We expect as a major nation in Europe to qualify for European Championships and World Cups. We're extremely disappointed, like all fans.''

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2008 Euro Qualifiers Steve McClaren