Arsene Wenger: I'd consider taking the England job... but not now!

The Arsenal manager has a year left on his current deal and has always honoured his contract throughout his career.

But yesterday he spoke the most positively he ever has about the prospect of taking over as boss of the Three Lions.

"Could I manage England, why not?" he said. "I would never rule that out, but I am happy and focused in club football."

The FA have indicated they would be ready to wait for Wenger if he gave them the nod and employ a caretaker - possibly Guus Hiddink, who has twice held a temporary role at Chelsea - until he is available.

Wenger added: "England is my second country. I was absolutely on my knees when England went out against Iceland.

"I couldn't believe it. But when you watched the game you could sense, after 60 minutes, that the worst could happen.

"Did they panic or were they tired? I don't know, but England couldn't find an answer to what Iceland posed."