LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI has emerged as a dark-horse candidate for the England manager’s job, although the FA was keeping a very tight guard on the probable identity of Sven-Göran Eriksson’s successor last night. Deliberations concluded at Soho Square with no final decision taken, but an announcement could come next week.

The process has been most notable for the divergence of opinions within the FA’s hierarchy, and it was still not clear last night whether the vote would go to a Brazilian world champion or Steve McClaren, the Middlesbrough manager — or, for that matter, any of the other three on the shortlist made up of Sam Allardyce, Martin O’Neill and the least likely winner, Alan Curbishley.

McClaren is under the spotlight because he is regarded as the leading Englishman. Teddy Sheringham has spoken highly of his qualities as a manager but expressed doubts about his readiness for the position as England head coach. Sheringham worked with McClaren during the latter’s spell as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United and the pair will renew acquaintances when West Ham United confront Middlesbrough in tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final.

“It would probably come a bit too soon if he was appointed now,” Sheringham, the striker, said. “He has still got a bit of learning to do over the next ten years or so. Personally, I think it’s an older man’s job, so Steve should just be allowed to get on with enjoying his club career first. Eventually, I think he could get the England job, but it should be further down the line.”

Privately, McClaren would perhaps agree that he would be better served broadening his experience at a leading club but, however much the role has the potential to mangle unsuspecting managers, he could not reject the opportunity to lead his country. Sheringham can appreciate why the FA would be interested.

“Steve is fantastic,” Sheringham said. “I worked with him at United and with England and he certainly knows his stuff. He’s always looking to improve and that’s a great thing to have when you’re a coach. That’s what will help him to get better. He’s always looking at the latest technology that’s available. That’s what the best coaches and managers have to do. It means the team he’s in charge of know he is always looking to progress.”

It was Allardyce and Scolari who are said to have given the most impressive interviews to the FA, the latter despite having only a moderate grasp of English. The Portugal head coach does, though, have the backing of David Dein, the influential Arsenal vice-chairman, who has been trying to persuade Brian Barwick, the FA chief executive, to throw his weight behind another foreign appointment.

Contacted by The Times yesterday, Scolari said that he would only discuss the Portugal team “and that will be the case until we finish the job at the World Cup”. Like the others, he awaits the FA’s decision.

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