Arsenal Football Club

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60432

Wenger tipped for England job

16 Oct 2006 - 11:12:17

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Terry Butcher has predicted that Arsene Wenger will become England manager before the Euro 2008 finals.

Former England captain Butcher was less than impressed by the national team's performances against FYR Macedonia and Croatia, and believes Steve McClaren will last less than two years as manager.

Asked whether he thought the under-pressure McClaren would remain in the job, the Sydney FC boss told BBC Radio Five Live: "Not in two years.

"I've said it all along there is a certain Arsene Wenger in the background that might fancy a crack at it.

"That came out with the Luis Felipe Scolari fiasco a few months ago and I think he might fancy it as well."

Butcher also questioned the wisdom of the Football Association's decision to appoint McClaren ahead of Martin O'Neill, who opted to take charge at Aston Villa after an unsuccessful interview for the England job.

He added: "McClaren wasn't the automatic choice of many people. He was the safe choice of the FA and results haven't gone their way.

"I don't think there were many other candidates that stood out and hit you. If it had been Sam Allardyce or Alan Curbishley the fans would still be having their doubts.

"You only have to look at Martin O'Neill and what he has done at Aston Villa. You have to say perhaps they made the wrong choice but they are stuck with McClaren and have to get on with it."