October 7 2006: England 0 Macedonia 0

McClaren had got off to a decent start with a resounding friendly win over Greece and a routine thumping of Andorra but dropped crucial two points against the Balkan side. Aside from a Steven Gerrard strike that rattled the bar, England produced precious little to lift the 70,000 fans packed into Old Trafford. The honeymoon period was over.

October 11 2006: Croatia 2 England 0

Mac abandoned the tried and tested 4-4-2 for an unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation, a move that backfired spectacularly. Gary Neville’s comical own goal, courtesy of a bobble off the pitch and Paul Robinson’s infamous air kick, masked the facts that England were a clear second best and that McClaren had been outcoached by Croatian boss Slaven Bilic.

Watch: Steve McClaren axed by England

March 28 2007: Andorra 0 England 3

England’s team of superstars went in all-square at half time against a team of part-time players who had never even drawn a European championship qualifier. England’s travelling fans created a poisonous atmosphere with chants of “what a load of rubbish” chorusing around Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium. A second half brace from Steven Gerrard and a debut tap-in from David Nugent earned McClaren a laboured victory but provided no respite from the criticism.

September 12 2007: England 3 Russia 0

Ravaged by injuries and suspensions, McClaren finally stumbled on a coherent gameplan introducing Gareth Barry to the midfield and reuniting Michael Owen and the oft-maligned Emile Heskey up front. Two clinical Owen finishes and a rare Rio Ferdinand goal gave England their fifth successive 3-0 win and McClaren’s best moment as England boss.

MSN Special Report: England's Euro 2008 disaster

October 17 2007: Russia 2 England 1

Needing a win to secure qualification, Wayne Rooney fired England in front but then gave away a dubious penalty that was converted by replacement Roman Pavluchenko. England visibly crumbled and the Russian sub sank McClaren with a second goal that left the Three Lions in disarray.

November 21 2007: England 2 Croatia 3

Israel’s excellent win over Russia had given England an unexpected lifeline and a point against Croatia would have been enough to secure Euro 2008 qualification. But with everything to play for, England produced a woeful performance with only Peter Crouch and David Beckham emerging with any credit. England recovered from a two goal deficit but Mladen Petric hit a 25-yard winner to signal the end for McClaren.