McClaren Gets England Job
(Goal.com) - Everbody already knew, but it has now been confirmed that Steve McClaren will replace Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager after the World Cup finals this summer.
Ever since Luiz Felipe Scolari surprisingly rejected the chance of taking the job last week, McClaren emerged as the only realistic candidate following the Football Association's messy appointment process.
“This is the biggest honour that any coach can have, and is obviously the highlight of my career," McClaren said on the FA website after the announcement was made. "It’s a massive challenge and one that I welcome. I have hugely enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough and am very grateful to the club.
“However, this was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. My immediate priority is next week’s UEFA Cup Final with Boro, and then working with Sven and his coaching team to achieve success in Germany this summer, before I turn my thoughts to the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.”
Eriksson endorsed McClaren's selection by saying, “I’m obviously very pleased for Steve, but also for the England team. I have worked closely with Steve ever since I came to England and know how good a coach he is. He is well-liked and well-respected by the players and staff. I have no doubt that he has all the credentials to be very successful in the job and wish him all the best.
“I said that I didn’t want the next England coach to be with the team at the World Cup, unless he was already involved in the set-up. Steve is a key part of my coaching staff and I’m delighted to have him with us in Germany.”
McClaren was part of Sven's staff at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004.
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