Wales manager Chris Coleman would “never, ever” even consider taking charge of his team’s beleaguered British rivals England, he said ahead of Wednesday’s Euro 2016 semifinal against Portugal.
Having guided Wales to a first ever major tournament semifinal by masterminding a stirring 3-1 win over Belgium last Friday, Coleman’s star is firmly in the ascendant.
England are seeking a new manager after Roy Hodgson stepped down following their last 16 humiliation by Iceland and while Coleman is not expecting a call from the Football Association, he says he has no interest in the job.
“I have a lot of time and respect for Roy Hodgson,” the 46-year-old told reporters at Wales’s media centre in Dinard, northwest France.
“I think he’s a very good manager. He’s lost his job so England now will search again, but it’s something that would never, ever enter my thinking, to be honest.
“I’m a Welshman through and through. At international football, it was only Wales, it would only ever be Wales. My next job after Wales, whenever that is, will be somewhere maybe abroad.
“To manage another country? No, I wouldn’t. That’s not something I would consider.”
While Wales are looking forward to the biggest match in their history, England have embarked upon the now familiar round of soul-searching that follows their elimination from every major tournament.
England’s Football Association has pledged to carry out a “definitive review” of the tournament to identify where Hodgson went wrong.
Asked for his opinion, Coleman suggested that pre-tournament target-setting may have had a negative effect.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate