Mourinho Terry's choice for England coach

LONDON: Jose Mourinho would be the best choice as England coach, national team captain John Terry said on Tuesday.

"He's one that really stands out for me and could make a big difference," Terry told Sky Sports.

England has begun the search for a new coach following Steve McClaren's sacking after its failure two weeks ago to qualify for Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.

"(Mourinho) is a great guy tactically, he's very aware and he understands the game very well," added central defender Terry of his former manager at Chelsea.

"He came in and took us (Chelsea) to a new level. I'm very lucky to have been able to work with Jose, he's a fantastic manager and a fantastic guy."

The Portuguese coach, who steered Chelsea to the Premier League title in 2005 and 2006, has been enjoying a break from the game since leaving Chelsea in September over differences with club owner Roman Abramovich.

"It's down to the FA to contact him if they want to speak to him," said Terry, who was appointed England captain by McClaren in succession to David Beckham after the 2006 World Cup.

Terry, who will be 28 on Friday, said FA chief executive Brian Barwick had consulted him about a new England coach.

"I've had a meeting with Brian Barwick, but that will stay private between me and him. Not just about managers, it's about many things," Terry said.

"I'm sure he's going to meet a few of the other guys (England players) as well and it's great to be consulted on these matters," added Terry.

England's next match is a friendly with Switzerland at Wembley on February 6 but it does not have a competitive fixture until the 2010 World Cup qualifiers start in September.

Agencies

(China Daily 12/06/2007 page19)