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Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has been appointed the next England manager, ending months of speculation over Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor.
McClaren had looked set to miss out to Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was offered the post by the Football Association in April.
But when Scolari ruled himself out of contention the FA turned their attentions to the 45-year-old McClaren.
Eriksson's current assistant has agreed a four-year deal starting on 1 August.
McClaren insisted that he was not bothered by the lengthy process, which took almost three months and gave the impression that he was not the first choice.
"I knew the process from the very beginning and I was quite comfortable with it," he said.
"It didn't affect my job at Middlesbrough and it didn't affect the players. The outcome was the important thing."
ROUTE TO SVEN'S SUCCESSOR
23 Jan: Eriksson to quit
25 Jan: Hiddink interested
7 Feb: Curbishley tipped
17 Feb: O'Neill tops poll
13 March: Charlton give Curbishley all clear
22 March: Pearce plays down England rumours
26 March: Allardyce calls for English boss to succeed Sven
5 April: FA options open
9 April: Hiddink ruled out
16 April: Scolari 'out of England running'
20 April: Media back O'Neill
25 April: Allardyce in the frame for England job
27 April: FA deal for Scolari
28 April: Scolari rejects deal
"This is the biggest honour that any coach can have, and is obviously the highlight of my career," he said.
"It's a massive challenge and one that I welcome. I have hugely enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough and am very grateful to the club.
"However, this was an opportunity I couldn't refuse and I'm probably the proudest man in England today.
"My immediate priority is next week's Uefa Cup Final with Boro, and then working with Sven and his coaching team to achieve success in Germany this summer, before I turn my thoughts to the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign."
McClaren made his way to London from his Yorkshire home on Thursday and arrived at the FA's Soho Square headquarters at 1540 BST.
He was immediately rushed inside through a media scrum before an official announcement was made at 1620 BST.
And together with FA chief executive Brian Barwick, he signed his deal in front of the assembled media at around 1640 BST.
His first game in charge will be the friendly against Greece at Old Trafford on 16 August.
McClaren has been involved with the England set-up on and off since becoming Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United.
His silverware during five years as team boss at the Riverside Stadium, however, has been limited to the Carling Cup two seasons ago, although he has led Boro to the Uefa Cup final this year.
I have worked closely with Steve ever since I came to England and know how good a coach he is
Current England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson
More England reaction
"He has an excellent reputation in the game," said Barwick. "He's been involved in big matches, has worked alongside footballers with big reputations, has experienced big competitions and this is now his big opportunity.
"He has been involved in major international and top-class football in his role alongside Sven, for England, and Sir Alex Ferguson, for Manchester United.
"With Middlesbrough he won the club's first ever trophy in 2004 (the Carling Cup) and this year reached the FA Cup semi-finals. Next Wednesday they are in final of the UEFA Cup.
"Steve believes in the nurturing of young talent - and especially young English talent - and giving those players an early chance."
Speculation over Eriksson's successor was rife when the Swede announced in January he would be stepping down from his role as England manager at the end of the World Cup.
McClaren has luck of the English
Former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill was the initial bookmakers' favourite, while McClaren was not heavily fancied as Middlesbrough suffered heavy defeats to Arsenal and Aston Villa around the time of Eriksson's decision.
But after turning around Boro's fortunes, McClaren became the reported front-runner of a shortlist including Scolari, O'Neill, Alan Curbishley and Sam Allardyce to the extent that Boro started their search for a new manager.
But in a late change, reportedly instigated by Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein in his role at the FA, Scolari was offered the post which he later rejected paving the way for McClaren to take over.
McClaren will be by Eriksson's side during this summer's World Cup in Germany and his reputation would be enhanced by a successful campaign.
However a disappointing tournament could place him under early pressure.
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"When I retire, I'll get Ricky Hatton to wash my clothes and cut my lawn and buckle my shoes."
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As long as they get results I couldn't care less who's in the hotseat.