Steve McClaren quits ‘in tears’ after Jamaica’s embarrassing World Cup failure

Steve McClaren has stepped down as Jamaica manager after they failed to qualify for the World Cup, with the former England boss left in tears

Former England manager Steve McClaren has stepped down as Jamaica’s head coach after their World Cup qualification heartbreak – with a rival boss revealing he was moved to tears.

The ex-Three Lions manager, who infamously failed to reach Euro 2008 which ended his England tenure, has once again fallen short of securing a major tournament berth. Jamaica have been pipped by Curacao for a coveted spot at next summer’s World Cup in North America.

Former Manchester United coach McClaren announced his departure, stating: “Sometimes the best thing a leader can do is recognise when a fresh voice, new energy and a different perspective is required to move this team forward.”

The 64-year-old witnessed Jamaica’s qualification dreams crumble following a goalless stalemate against minnows Curacao – the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup, reports the Mirror.

Curacao’s assistant manager Dean Gorre, who had to deputise for Dick Advocaat, revealed that McClaren was moved to tears by the setback. He said: “Steve was crying. It affected him that much.”

Curacao emerged as the sole unbeaten side during the qualifying campaign, topping Group B with 12 points – edging Jamaica by a single point. Their draw secures their place alongside fellow CONCACAF representatives Panama and Haiti, who also sealed their World Cup berths.

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics in Curacao, the nation boasts a population of 156,115 people as of last January. Previously, Iceland held the record as the smallest country ever to reach a tournament, with just over 350,000 inhabitants when they secured their place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Curacao achieved this historic milestone despite Advocaat’s absence from the touchline. The 78 year old was forced to miss the fixture after returning to the Netherlands last weekend due to family commitments.

He has previously overseen the Dutch national team and taken charge of South Korea, Belgium and Russia before accepting the role with Curacao.

Jamaica fielded Brentford’s Rico Henry and former Everton defender Mason Holgate in their starting lineup but still couldn’t secure the victory required for World Cup qualification. McClaren had declared beforehand that this represented “the biggest game in Jamaica for many, many years”.

Following a devastating hurricane that struck the Caribbean nation, McClaren had hoped to deliver some much-needed joy – but ultimately came up short.

He explained: “We will try to at least put some positivity and a smile on people’s faces in the midst of adversity… because there is nothing better than a Jamaican smile, I can guarantee you that.”