McClaren's chronology

England coach Steve McClaren watches during England's Euro 2008 Group E qualifying soccer match against Croatia at Wembley stadium on Wednesday. Reuters

Birthplace: York, England

England record: Played 18, Won 9, Drew 4, Lost 5

August 2006 - Appointed England manager as successor to Sven Goran Eriksson following England's run to the World Cup quarterfinals in Germany.

August 2006 - Wins first match as England beats Greece 4-0 in a friendly.

September 2006 - Gets Euro 2008 qualifying campaign off to flying start with back-to-back victories over Andorra and Macedonia.

October 2006 - First signs of the crisis to come as Macedonia holds out for an embarrassing 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.

October 2006 - Gambles by changing formation to 5-3-2 for crucial match in Croatia. The decision backfires as Paul Robinson's howler sets England spinning to a 2-0 loss.

March 2007 - Only managing a goalless draw in Israel leaves England's Euro 2008 hopes in the balance.

March 2007 - A woeful first-half performance against Andorra sees McClaren subjected to vitrolic abuse by supporters, but Steven Gerrard inspires a 3-0 win after the break.

September 2007 - Makes brave decision to bring back Emile Heskey and is rewarded as Israel and Russia are swept aside at Wembley in successive 3-0 wins.

October 2007 - After a comfortable 3-0 win over Estonia, England goes to Russia needing a point to keep its fate in its own hands. But McClaren is left to rue "four mad minutes" as England loses 2-1.

November 2007 - His luck finally appears to have changed for the better as Israel's win over Russia means England can qualify for Euro 2008 with a draw against Croatia.

(China Daily 11/23/2007 page24)