England names in the frame

A host of names have been linked with the England manager's job since Steve McClaren was sacked after England's failure to make it to Euro 2008.

But it has been hard to decipher who actually wants it and who is keeping their current employers happy by saying they are committed to their clubs.

Here BBC Sport brings you the latest contenders and their take on whether they are still in the running for the position.

FIRMLY IN THE RUNNING

Fabio Capello

The former Real Madrid coach is alone in being the only contender to stick his neck out say he wants the job.

The 61-year-old is the experienced head that England could turn to if, as is often the case, the FA decide on appointing someone in contrast to the previous manager.

He says: "The challenge of coaching a national side like England would be something different. The job is not about coaching every day.

"It would be a very difficult challenge but a very exciting one."

Harry Redknapp

The leading English candidate, Redknapp has played the modest card by saying he does not expect to be asked.

But having established Portsmouth as a genuine top six side in the Premier League, he is in no doubt about his reply should he be called by the FA.

He says: "If you are an Englishman, and a Premier League manager, and the FA come along and offers you the job, I don't think anyone is going to say no.

"People may rule themselves out because they don't think they are going to get the job. We could all say 'no, we are not interested'. But if the FA come knocking on anyone's door how could you reject the chance?"

ROOM FOR PERSUASION

Luiz Felipe Scolari

Big Phil was the front runner for the England post last time until the FA decided they needed to make a decision before the 2006 World Cup whilst Scolari was still under contract to Portugal.

Having twice been in charge of teams which have knocked England out of the World Cup, he obviously knows their weaknesses. He is under contract until after Euro 2008 but has said he will leave the Portugal job afterwards.

He says: "I have a contract with Portugal, with the federation, until July 2008,"

Alan Shearer

The former England captain says he was flattered to be associated with the post. And given that he has yet to manage at any level, his reaction is understandable.

The BBC football pundit did not rule himself out but recognised there were far more experienced candidates ahead of him in the queue.

He says: "Management interests me at some stage in my life, I have always said that. When that will be I really couldn't tell you."

Jurgen Klinsmann

Has been tipped as an "ideal" replacement by Franz Beckenbauer. The German has a good knowledge of English football having spent two spells at Tottenham.

His national team coaching credentials were boosted by Germany reaching the last four of the 2006 World Cup where they lost to eventual winners Italy. Some at the FA might not like the fact the 43-year-old still lives in California.

Beckenbauer says: "Jurgen would be a new beginning for England. He is looking for a role in a country with a great tradition and appetite for football."

Jose Mourinho

Clearly the fans favourite after his charismatic and successful spell with Chelsea, the Portuguese has remained uncharacteristically quiet since Steve McClaren's departure.

The word from Portugal is that Mourinho would prefer a job at a top club, and he could probably pick from any club he wishes.

He says: so far nothing.

COMMITTED TO THEIR CLUBS

Martin O'Neill

O'Neill was interviewed for the England post last time around and has assumed that if he wasn't good enough last time, then the same applies this time.

Has kept all Aston Villa fans happy by saying he has a job to do at club level, but it would be interesting to see what his reaction would be should the FA come crawling.

He says: "My name might not even be put forward and I am uncomfortable talking about it.

"But I have got a commitment to this club and I want to see it through."

Sam Allardyce

Another manager to commit to his club but with Newcastle fans already calling for his head, his stock is on the slide.

Unlike O'Neill was more forthright when asked if he was ruling himself out, he simply replied: "yes."

He says: "I am not in a position like I was at my old club where the chairman openly extended the invitation for me to go for the position."

Alan Curbishley

Completes the trio of Brits who were courted last time but were ultimately unsuccessful.

He says: "I've moved on. West Ham is where I want to be. I know England is the biggest job but I want to build West Ham up as much as I can."

Steve Coppell

As the Premier League's most experienced English manager, Coppell was hailed as a tactical genius after leading Reading to eighth last season.

But he has found things tougher this term and the former international wants to stick with his club.

He says: "I'm English so people link me. I've got a massive job at Reading, as far as I'm concerned, and I'm very happy with that."

HAVE RULED THEMSELVES OUT

Sven-Goran Eriksson

Bring back Sven? His England record looks rosy now compared to McClaren's tenure. But the Manchester City boss has proven his managerial credentials once again, taking City into the Premier League top tier with a number of fine displays.

He says: "There is no need to rule myself out. The FA have not asked me - and they will not. I am happy where I am."

Arsene Wenger

"Non" was the instant reply from Wenger when he was asked if he would like it. And the Frenchman would seem quite happy building a dynasty at Arsenal.

Wenger looks to be among the experts FA chief executive Brian Barwick will be consulting. But whether Barwick can persuade him to take on the role himself remains to be seen.

Wenger says: "The national football team represents the country, the culture of the country and the leader of your national team should be [English]."

Marcello Lippi

Lippi masterminded Italy's World Cup win in 2006 and has been a towering presence in Italian club football with Juventus.

But unlike Capello, the 59-year-old says that the language barrier would be a problem.

He says: "I love the Premier League but I don't speak English.

"Considering the way I see and experience football this is a big handicap, because a coach above all guides players and my primary concern is the squad."

Source: BBC Sport