Wenger: no to England

Arsene Wenger has said he would help The FA find their new boss - but insisted that he would not be interested in taking the England job for himself. The Arsenal coach is keen to stay at Arsenal for the long-term future.

"I don't think it is a disaster, but it is a massive disappointment.

"It is up to England to see how they respond to the situation now.

"Immediately, in the present, it is a massive handicap. On the future for the World Cup 2010, it can be an advantage if the right measures are taken now.

"I am always happy to help if I can. I am not sure I am really gifted for that, but if they want to know my opinion - and it is a confidential one - then I am always happy.

"If I was English then of course (I'd be interested). But I am not so it is a 'no'. That is in line with what I have always said. In my opinion, the England manager should be English.

"I feel the FA need deep thinking for what happened and find solutions. They can't just appoint a new coach and think England will win the World Cup in 2010.

"After France failed to qualify in 1994, (manager) Gerard Houllier was straight away sacrificed in a little bit of a similar game.

"That is a good example for England (because) the France players that lost then became world champions. Not all but most. Petit and Deschamps played in this game and they became world champions and European champions afterwards.

"That is what I mean - don't slaughter the players because the England national team has good players."