The snow may have settled on the recent Sam Allardyce scandal, but the search for his successor remains a hot topic.
Whether it be Alan Pardew, Eddie Howe or Gareth Southgate, everybody seems to have their own preference for the Three Lions’ next manager. However, arguably the most frequented name has proven Arsene Wenger.
Surprisingly, the Arsenal boss has been heavily linked with the role and pundits such as Robbie Savage have promoted such a proposition. In light of this, the Frenchman has provided a seemingly decisive rebuttal this week.
Even after the resignation of Roy Hodgson, Wenger was one of the front-runners to lead his adopted nation. Therefore, the Allardyce debacle has only served to augment the likelihood of him inheriting the reins.
There had been a reason to suggest it could happen too. After all, the 66-year-old’s contract at the Emirates expires in the summer and consequently, if the FA were willing to wait, he would be free to make the switch.
In addition, when Wenger was first asked about the job, he simply remarked: “why not?” Thus, what had initially proven a rather off-piste rumour, had evolved into a real possibility.
After all, the interim management of Southgate would allow the FA to unpick the inevitable complications of such a move.
However, the Frenchman’s most recent comments seem to have ended suspicions as soon as they arose. While his interest was never truly concrete, it appears something of a U-turn from the Arsenal boss.
For the England fans who have hotly debated the topic over recent weeks, it appears Wenger has answered their questions.
Speaking to beIN Sports, the 66-year-old explained: “It’s very important [that it’s an Englishman].
“I’ve always said that England has a huge football passion and if tomorrow you have a game with France then it would be difficult [for me] not to sing the national anthem.
“It’s logical. I thought they’d say I’m half English after being here for 20 years! It’s better to have an Englishman.
“It would be difficult to manage another English club team. The national team is different. But my first priority has always been Arsenal.”
So, while ruling Wenger out of the running would prove somewhat premature, the likelihood of him becoming national manager appears to have plummeted.
The Frenchman is fully focused on his current employment and feels that an Englishman would be better suited for the role. It’s good news for Pardew, Howe, and Southgate then.
What is for sure though is that the FA must avoid any repeats of the Allardyce fiasco. Besides, if a Wenger appointment would achieve anything, it would secure consistency and transparency.