Skip to content

Arsene Wenger refuses to rule out becoming England manager

Arsene Wenger the Arsenal Manager
Image: Arsene Wenger has been in charge of Arsenal for almost 20 years

Arsene Wenger admits he would be open to the possibility of becoming England manager – but not before he sees out his existing contract with Arsenal.

The Frenchman, who has been in charge of Arsenal for almost 20 years, has 12 months to run on his current deal and insists he will honour that commitment.

However, he admitted he is uncertain where his future lies beyond that and left the door open to potentially taking over the England team one day.

"Could I manage England, why not? I would never rule that out, but I am happy and focused in club football," he said in an interview with beIN Sports. "England is my second country.

"I have one more year to go with Arsenal and I have been with them for a long time. I have always respected all my contacts [throughout my career] and will continue to do that.

"What will I do after that? Honestly, I don't know."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Kevin Campbell believes Wenger won't leave Arsenal for England, and backs Sam Allardyce to be given the job

England are searching for a new manager after Roy Hodgson stepped down following their humbling Euro 2016 exit to Iceland.

Also See:

Jurgen Klinsmann is currently the favourite to succeed Hodgson, while Sam Allardyce, Eddie Howe and Glenn Hoddle have also been linked with role.

Wenger admitted he was stunned to see England eliminated by Iceland and was surprised by how quickly the English players ran out of ideas during the game.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

David Seaman believes Wenger wouldn't be the right man for England

"I was absolutely on my knees when England went out against Iceland. I couldn't believe it," Wenger said.

"But when you watched the game you could sense, after 60 minutes, that the worst could happen.

"Did they panic or were they tired? I don't know, but England couldn't find an answer to what Iceland posed."

Around Sky