Friday 7 October 2016 18:47, UK
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger appears to have ruled himself out of the running for the England job after saying he believes the role would be best filled by an English coach.
The Frenchman, who turns 67 at the end of October, is in the final season of his current Arsenal contract, having earlier this month marked 20 years in the job.
Wenger suggested last week that it was possible he could "one day" manage England if he had no club commitments, but he has now played down his interest in taking charge.
"It is very important [that the manager is an Englishman], I have always said that," Wenger told beIN Sports.
"A country like England, with a huge football passion... and as well the structure of the national team [it] looks to me [that it] demands a guy from your own nation is the leader.
"If you think that tomorrow you are the coach of France and you play against England, when the national anthem is played of England, you cannot sing it and you cannot sing as well the anthem of the team you are leading.
"It looks to me a bit strange, that is why I like what is logical.... I think it is better [to have an Englishman]."
England U21 boss Gareth Southgate has stepped up to take charge of the senior team for the next four games, although FA chief executive Martin Glenn says Wenger would be among the candidates who "perfectly" fit the criteria as the search begins for the permanent successor to Sam Allardyce.
Wenger, though, says he has yet to hear from anyone at the FA over the vacancy.
"There has been no contact," he said. "There is nothing really to add. Personally I want England to do well."
