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.
“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.”