LONDON (Reuters):
STEVE MCCLAREN was appointed Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor as England manager yesterday, six days after his dream job looked to be heading to a high profile foreign rival.
The Middlesbrough manager, who made his name as right-hand man to Eriksson and Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, will take over when the Swede steps down after the World Cup finals in Germany, the Football Association announced.
"This is the biggest honour that any coach can have and is obviously the highlight of my career," said McClaren, who has signed a four-year contract from August 1, taking him up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
"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."
His appointment comes six days after 2002 World Cup-winning Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari, the FA's first choice, pulled out of contention because of media intrusion. McClaren, 45 on Wednesday, had piloted Middlesbrough into next week's UEFA Cup final against
Seville the day before Scolari's withdrawal.
