Arsene Wenger: “England is my second country. Could I manage them? Why not?”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given the clearest indication yet that he would be willing to take the England job.
Wenger is unwilling to leave Emirates Stadium before his current contract expires in 12 months’ time but appeared to encourage interest from the Football Association in an interview on French television.
“Could I manage England? Why not? I would never rule that out, but I am happy and focused in club football,” said the 66-year-old.
“England is my second country. I was absolutely on my knees when England went out [of Euro 2016] against Iceland. I couldn’t believe it.
“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 contracts and will continue to do that. What will I do after that? Honestly, I don’t know.”
United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann, former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce and Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe have also been linked with succeeding Roy Hodgson, who resigned last month after failing to guide England through a knockout game for the third tournament in a row.
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England have less than two months until their next fixture, a World Cup 2018 qualifier away to Slovakia on 4 September.