Middlesbrough’s Steve McClaren has stepped down from his role as assistant to Sven Goran Eriksson to concentrate on club affairs.

But England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has pledged to stay on despite Adam Crozier’s departure as FA chief executive.

McClaren denied his decision had anything to do with Crozier’s departure.

“This is purely my own decision,” he insisted. “Indeed, it is a decision I have been considering for some time as my role with Middlesbrough – which must, of course, be my firstpriority – has taken up more time.

“I actually told Adam of my intention to step down earlier this week. Sven has known for some time too, as I spoke to him after England’s Euro 2004 qualifying tie with Macedonia.

“We part on excellentterms and I firmly believe England has a very bright future under Sven’s leadership.”

Meanwhile, Eriksson admitted the he was stunned by the news of Crozier’s resignation .

“I am shocked and saddened by the news – like everybody else at the FA,’ he told the FA’s official website.

“But I am determined to carry on in my job.’