Steve McClaren admitted he could have no complaints after being sacked as England coach.

McClaren was dismissed in the aftermath of Wednesday's decisive 3-2 defeat against Croatia that ensured England would not qualify for UEFA EURO 2008.

English Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick phoned McClaren to confirm the decision on Thursday morning.

Just hours later, McClaren made a dignified appearance to discuss his exit and conceded he had to shoulder the blame for the end of his brief, ignominious reign.

"This is one of the saddest days of my career. 18 months ago when I got the job was one of the proudest days of my career and I was honoured to be the England coach," he said.

"I enjoyed every minute. It's just sad to be relieved of my post but I can understand the decision by the FA.

"I'm not making any excuses. We had enough games to do it. I can talk about conditions, injuries, bad luck, decisions, but ultimately it's 12 games and we failed to qualify.

"I can't criticise anybody. I said at the beginning it is my responsbility. I live or die by results and the results haven't gone my way.

"I've got huge disappointment for the people who are really losing out. That's the country and the fans. So it's a regret that we didn't qualify."

England's lacklustre performances under McClaren suggested that he never completely won over his squad but he was adamant he always had their complete backing.

"The support from players has been fantastic. I've worked with these players for over six years and they are a pleasure to work with no matter what people say and the criticism that is bound to come their way," he said.

"They've all been in touch and the staff behind the scenes as well. I've been really touched by it. They want to do the job and want to play for England. Whatever their shortcomings, and I'm sure there will be no end of debate over the next few weeks, all I will say it they are a pleasure to work with.

"They really want to achieve and unfortunately we have fallen short. We all take responsibility for that but ultimately I do. I'm basically a fan like everybody else. I wanted them to achieve and I'm as disappointed as everybody that we've failed to qualify."

McClaren has been criticised for refusing to resign amid suggestions he was holding on for a reported ₤2.5 million settlement on his four-year contract. However, he insisted he was right not to quit because the job was too important.

"I've never walked away from anything. I would never intend to and there was no reason to," he said. "Even when I was questioned and criticised I was never going to walk away from this job.

"It's a fantastic job. It was absolutely nothing to do with financial reasons. But obviously the decision has been taken out of my hands."

McClaren's job was effectively snatched from him in the first 14 minutes at Wembley as his selection gambles backfired.

Rookie goalkeeper Scott Carson made a horrendous error to give Croatia the lead and England, with David Beckham left on the bench, were devoid of leadership as they tried to respond.

McClaren stuck by his decisions and added: "Hindsight is a fantastic thing. We can't change anything at the moment. "Results haven't gone our way and I've paid the price.

"There's going to be lots of debate and at some stage I will speak to people and come out and give my side. Overall it wasn't just about last night. It was about other games. We put ourselves into a position where we had two chances and didn't take them."

McClaren is convinced he is a better manager despite his torrid time with England and is determined to get back into the game as soon as possible.

"I believe I'm a better manager than I was 18 months ago," he said. "What I've been through has made me better. It's failure but I'll learn from that and move on.

"All I can concentrate on is getting over this huge disappointment and looking forward. I'll recover, I'll bounce back and wait for the next challenge. I'm not one to lie on the beach."