McClaren takes blame

By Mike Collett

LONDON (Reuters) - Head coach Steve McClaren took "full responsibility" for England's exit from Euro 2008 on Wednesday but said he had no intention of resigning from the job he has held for 15 months.

However, the English FA announced after the 3-2 defeat to Croatia at Wembley that cost England their place in next year's finals in Austria and Switzerland that a board meeting would be held on Thursday morning, starting at 0830 GMT.

"I am not going to discuss my future," a shaken-looking McClaren told reporters after the staggering loss.

"I am not going to discuss it so soon after a huge disappointment. I have no intention of offering my resignation."

He accepted that his team made mistakes and were second best on the night, adding: "I am just trying to take in the huge disappointment that we won't be there next summer.

"I take full responsibility. I always said we deserve to be where we finish up in the group -- and we didn't deserve to qualify."

Croatia won the group with 29 points. Russia, who beat Andorra 1-0 on Wednesday, finished second on 24 points and England third on 23.

BOLD DECISIONS