STEVE McClaren put his young family in front of his football when he decided to step down as Sven-Goran Eriksson's lieutenant.

As Eriksson vowed to continue as England coach after losing two close allies in as many days following Thursday's departure of Football Association chief executive Adam Crozier, McClaren revealed yesterday that he wanted to spend more time with wife Kathryn and their three sons.

After working almost non-stop for more than two years, having spent the last two summers getting acclimatised to his new job as Middlesbrough manager then with England at the World Cup, McClaren felt he had neglected his family - including Joe, 14, Sam, ten, and six-year-old Joshua.

He told Eriksson of his intention to sever his links with England after the Macedonia game last month, but only informed Boro chairman Steve Gibson yesterday morning.

McClaren said: "My family were a big influence on this. I've had two years unbroken with the two roles. We had one week's holiday as a family this year, and there was no holiday at all the previous summer.

"We all know football is a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week job but it is very important to get a balance, not just in football but in your life.

"I really wanted to find that balance and it was a very important part of the decision.

"The family have all supported me throughout. They have been there every step along the way.

"But now I'm looking ahead, and next summer would have been another summer of travel with England. There would be no break.

"I'm looking at the long-term situation. I have talked about it with the family and made what was a difficult decision."

Embattled Eriksson was last night facing an uncertain future as he wondered whether Crozier's successor would lend him similarly unequivocal support.

But the Swede was adamant that the loss of Crozier and McClaren would not persuade him to resign at a time when his private life has been in the public spotlight.

He said: "I am shocked and saddened by the news, like everybody else at the FA. But I am determined to carry on in my job."

Eriksson paid a glowing tribute to McClaren, who along with Peter Taylor was in temporary charge of England for a friendly with Italy before he agreed to work alongside the former Lazio boss.

Eriksson said: "Steve has been a highly-valued member of the England set-up since November 2000.

"I'm very sorry we are losing him because he's one of the best coaches I know. However, I totally respect and understand his decision.

"While we're obviously very sorry that Steve will no longer be working with the England team, we fully respect this decision and wish him every success in the future."

As Eriksson turned his thoughts to McClaren's possible replacement, the Middlesbrough manager confirmed his desire to concentrate on improving his club had played a part in his decision.

Boro chairman Steve Gibson never queried McClaren's dual role, but the former Manchester United No2 felt the time was right to devote all his time to Boro.

He said: "I felt having the two jobs was beneficial to Middlesbrough and England.

"But I knew that I had to stop when it could become detrimental to the club, and that's what I've done.

"It has not reached that stage yet but it could happen. It is not a case of being tired.

"The enthusiasm and energy are there but they may not be at some stage in the future.

"I always said I would look at the situation after every England game and now is an appropriate time to go.

"Middlesbrough is where I earn my living, it is my priority, and it always has been."

England's next Euro 2004 qualifier is against Liechtenstein on March 29, with a possible friendly at the end of February.

That means Eriksson has almost four months to find a replacement for McClaren to work alongside Tord Grip and Sammy Lee.

McClaren said: "There is a gap now of a few months, which gives Sven time to appoint someone else.

"There is absolutely no disagreement with him. I could not have had a better relationship with anybody, and I have worked closely with Sir Alex Ferguson and Jim Smith. Sven and I are friends.

"He is a fantastic manager, the set-up is superb, the players are there and England will go forward.

"This was never a long-term job with England. I never looked at it like that.

"But I should have gone after the World Cup. I spoke to Sven at length then and I agonised for weeks. In the end, I let my heart rule my head.

"I've enjoyed the experience and the learning with England. I will miss it desperately.

"I am not leaving England in the lurch. Everyone will say there is some conspiracy, something behind it, but there isn't.

"I intended to make this public next week but brought it forward because of what has happened this week with Adam Crozier resigning. I thought it was more appropriate now.