Venables backs foreigner

Terry Venables has backed the next England manager to be a foreign one. The England number 2 believes the way forward may start with a foreign coach like Fabio Capello or Jose Mourinho, after admitting that the job has become "more difficult".

The ex-Barcelona and Tottenham boss wrote in The Sun: "The job is getting more difficult. It's always been high profile but the dissection of your every move and decision has become unbelievably intense. It's more relentless and ruthless now than ever before."

He added: "Maybe it is time for a foreign manager once again. I've always believed an Englishman should manage England - if possible.

"In some ways, it's almost easier being abroad - a manager working in a foreign country can ultimately choose the moment when he's had enough and go home.

"An Englishman faces the aftermath day in, day out, which means you are never really able to live an ordinary life.

"An English manager has to think of his family's security and wellbeing here, his kids at school and what their experience might be. They can be taunted simply because of what their dad does and says.

"I would love an Englishman to get the job but maybe the pressure has become so severe that it actually suits a foreign candidate more."