Brian Barwick, the FA chief executive, says he will consult leading figures from at home and abroad in his search for a "world-class" successor for Steve McClaren as England head coach.

Barwick has already canvassed opinion from John Terry, the England captain, Uefa president Michel Platini, Franz Beckenbauer and John Toshack, the Wales manager.

Now Barwick and Sir Trevor Brooking, the organisation's director of football development, have drawn up a list of other leading figures they will consult in their search.

These include Steven Gerrard, England's vice-captain, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton of Manchester United plus former England managers Sir Bobby Robson, Glenn Hoddle and Graham Taylor.

"The chief executive told the board that he was determined to get a manager with world-class credentials," said an FA source.

"He also said he was not working to any deadline - that as time was not an issue the most important thing was getting the best man for the job."

Barwick did not mention any names to the board members but his comments would make it less likely for Alan Shearer to be McClaren's successor given that he has no managerial experience.

Meanwhile, Ashley Cole believes Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea coach, would make a perfect England boss.

“Jose is a great manager and I really enjoyed playing under him,” Cole said. “I think he is one of the best managers around, but whether or not the FA try to get him is up to them really.”

Cole, who missed England’s defeat to Croatia because of injury, added: “All the players were devastated at not qualifying. Every player wants to play in the big tournaments and we are no different.

"To miss out on a tournament is a major blow and I know what people mean when they say no words can explain how they feel as that is how all the players feel. Afterwards in the dressing room no one could speak as we were all so disappointed.”