The Football Association on Friday dismissed suggestions of a rift between FA bosses Brian Barwick and Sir Trevor Brooking over the right candidate for the England coaching job. FA chief executive Barwick and director of football development Brooking have the job of finding Steve McClaren's successor as England coach.
Reports have emerged, however, of a major difference of opinion between the pair with Barwick said to want a 'world-class' continental manager, while Brooking is adamant he wants an Englishman in charge. But FA director of communications Adrian Bevington dismissed suggestions of a rift.
"There is no truth in any suggestion of a problem between Brian Barwick and Sir Trevor Brooking, or a conflict or difference of opinion of any sort in appointing the next England manager," he said.
"It is totally without foundation. It is misleading to the public and grossly unfair on Brian and Sir Trevor, who are going about their work in a completely professional manner. "This is not helpful at a time when we are doing all we can to ensure we get the right man and the best man for the England job, which is what the fans all want."
Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and Italian veteran coach Fabio Capello are thought to be at the top of the list of candidates along with the likes of Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill, Germany's Jurgen Klinsmann and Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi.