Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant England coach's position.
The Northern Irishman, 55, who was interviewed for the job last year, was among the favourites to take over following Steve McClaren's dismissal.

But O'Neill confirmed on Friday that he did not want the job.

McClaren was sacked after England were beaten 3-2 by Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday and so failed to qualify for next summer's Euro 2008 finals.



The Football Association's chief executive Brian Barwick has begun his search for a replacement.

Of the other contenders, BBC Sport understands that Jose Mourinho is not interested in the job.

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce and West Ham's Alan Curbishley have ruled themselves out, Mark Hughes signed a new contract with Blackburn on Friday, and Marcello Lippi has distanced himself from the role.

But ex-Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello says he is interested and Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has not ruled himself out.

England's next scheduled match is a friendly against France in Paris on 26 March, although there is a date available in February to arrange another fixture if required.

The next competitive match will be the opening encounter of the 2010 World Cup campaign in September, with the draw for the qualifying groups taking place on Sunday.