With Russia beating Andorra 1-0, England will not now go to Austria and Switzerland next summer.

And Shearer said afterwards when asked if McClaren would go: "Probably.

"I don't think he'll resign, he'll have to be asked to leave.

"The pressure will be unbelievable for him and it wouldn't surprise me if they end his term."

Of tonight's defeat he told BBC One: "You can get away with one or two not playing to their potential, but I can think of only Peter Crouch who played anywhere near the standard expected.

"The brutal fact is we didn't deserve to go through on tonight's performance."

Former strike partner Ian Wright added: "When you consider the fact we were handed a chance you think how much more do you need to do?

"Every time Croatia attacked you thought they were going to score. On the third goal there was no-one within 10 yards."

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Former England World Cup midfielder Alan Mullery felt McClaren's side were beaten by the better team.

Mullery told Sky Sports News: "They threw everything at them, second half.

"Frank Lampard took the penalty under tremendous pressure and they got the equaliser through Peter Crouch.

"Steve McClaren then came out to the edge of the pitch with his coach and they were saying 'get back, get into shape'.

"They got back into shape and conceded a third when at that time they were in the ascendancy, going forward and Croatia were under enormous pressure.

"But when it came down to technical skill and the technical ability of the two teams, Croatia were far superior.

"What bothers me about the result is Croatia went to Macedonia on Saturday and got beat 2-0. Tonight they have hammered England 3-2."

Former national team boss Graham Taylor believes the lack of experience in England's defence was to blame for their failure to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I have to say, having gone 2-0 down, I was very worried because we've got almost a reserve back four and goalkeeper.

"Looking at them and their body language, even (Sol) Campbell who is experienced, they looked nervous - it looked like it got to them.

"I never felt England were in control of themselves, never mind the game.

"In 12 games qualification games you generally get what you deserve."

Taylor also stressed that the lack of adaptability in the English players played a huge role in their dismal exit.

"There is a major difference between playing Premier League football and playing at the pace of international football," he continued.

"You learn in the heat of the summer at major tournaments you have to learn to play at different levels and learn to keep the ball. Sometimes you keep it for the sake of keeping it.

"But football crowds here won't accept that."

Taylor also reiterated his desire to see the FA carry through their plans to build a football centre - believing it is the only way football in this country can progress.

"We can't even build a football centre," he fumed.

"We've really got to do something about the future of English football at international level.

"Until we do that then we are going to continue going in the same way."