Explaining his decision, McClaren said: "I have decided to step down from my role to concentrate fully on the affairs of Middlesbrough Football Club.

"This is purely my own decision. Indeed, it is a decision I have been considering for some time as my role with Middlesbrough - which must, of course, be my first priority - has taken up more time.

"I leave the post on the best of terms with everyone involved in the England set-up. It was a privilege to occupy the role. I gained greatly from the experience and I hope England benefited from my contribution.

"I thank Sven, the players and everyone at The FA for the support I have enjoyed. I'm also grateful to Steve Gibson and Middlesbrough FC for allowing me the opportunity to work with England," he told the club's website.

Steve's decision is not connected to the departure of Adam Crozier from The FA.

"I actually told Adam of my intention to step down earlier this week" he explained.

"Sven has known for some time too, as I spoke to him after England's game with Macedonia.

"We part on excellent terms and I firmly believe England has a very bright future under Sven's leadership."

The FA wishes to place on record its thanks to Steve McClaren for his tremendous work with the England team over the past two years.

While clearly disappointed that Steve believes he must focus his total concentration on his role as Middlesbrough FC manager, The FA fully understands and respects his decision to do so.

 

England Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson told TheFA.com: "On behalf of everyone connected to The FA and the England team, I would like to pay tribute to Steve McClaren. He has been a highly valued member of the set-up, since November 2000.

"I'm very sorry we are losing him because he is one of the best coaches I know. However I totally respect and understand his decision.

"Steve made it clear to me after the recent game with Macedonia that he felt he needed to give his complete attention to his position at Middlesbrough.

"While we are obviously very sorry that Steve will no longer be working with the England team, we fully respect this decision and wish him every success in the future."

Steve McClaren Fact-file

Steve has been an instrumental figure for England over the last two years, while at the same time making huge strides in his coaching career at club level.

One of the youngest managers in the Premiership, Steve McClaren has made a hugely impressive impact at Middlesbrough and they are currently one of the top sides in the country.

McClaren was Assistant Manager at Old Trafford for two seasons while the highlight of his international apprenticeship came this summer when he helped to plot England's route to the World Cup semi-finals as Sven Goran Eriksson's coach.

The York-born manager went into coaching after his playing career was cut short by injury in 1992. He became youth team coach at Oxford under Jim Smith before teaming up with Smith again as first-team coach at Derby.

As a player, McClaren started with Hull, helping them win promotion to Division Three in 1983 and into the Second Division two years later. The midfielder joined Derby during the summer of 1985, moving on to Bristol City and then Oxford in 1989.