Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has urged the FA not to dismiss Steve McClaren should England fail to qualify for Euro2008.

"Patience has always been short at national level. I don't think it would be a good reason to sack Steve McClaren," Wenger said. "The press and media has always been very strong and unfortunately at many times they have won the battle to get the manager out. I hope not.

"He has only been in charge for 18 months and you would like him to at least have four years."

England failed to qualify for the 1984 European Championships but Bobby Robson kept his job and went on to reach the World Cup quarter-finals in 1986 and the last four at Italia 90.

"They should repeat that (commitment)," added Wenger. "England's absence would be detrimental to the quality of the championships.

"In English football, in the short term it would be a big disappointment and they would get a massive slaughtering from the press.

"But in the long term it won't change a lot."