Football Association chief Brian Barwick will consult a host of leading figures in the game in his search for a "world-class manager" for England.
Barwick has canvassed the thoughts of England captain John Terry, Wales boss John Toshack, Uefa chief Michel Platini and German legend Franz Beckenbauer.

He will also consult Steven Gerrard, Arsene Wenger, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is the current favourite for the job.

Barwick is said to have told a meeting of FA directors on Thursday that he was determined to get a manager of world-class credentials.

He added that he was not working to a deadline - because England's next competitive match is months away, it was more important to get the best man for the job.

Barwick told the meeting that he and FA development director Sir Trevor Brooking would conduct a joint operation to appoint Steve McClaren's successor and would also seek the advice of former England managers Graham Taylor and Glenn Hoddle.

The FA insists no shortlist has yet been drawn up.

The biggest football job in Europe and in the world is to be the England manager

Sven-Goran Eriksson

Ex-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, now in charge of Manchester City, said he could understand the clamour for Mourinho but warned he would be taking on "the biggest job in football".

"Mourinho has already shown that he is big with Porto and with Chelsea, so if he has been winning trophies for them, he can do it with England as well," said Eriksson.

"But to be the England manager you must win every game, not do anything in your private life and hopefully not earn too much money.

"They are the only qualities you need and if you have those, you are perfect.

"I don't want to say that I am supporting Mourinho because I support everyone and it is not my job. But the biggest football job in Europe and in the world is to be the England manager.

"The Champions League is big and it is fantastic, but to compare it to the World Cup? No chance. The World Cup is, and will be forever, the number one."

The insistence on a coach with pedigree appears to rule out former England striker Alan Shearer, who has no managerial experience, but brings into the equation heavyweights such as Martin O'Neill and Fabio Capello