Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the Football Association that he categorically did not want to be considered for Sven-Goran Eriksson's England job.

The FA's chief executive Brian Barwick met Wenger within the first month of the recruitment process to find the next England manager.

He approached the Arsenal boss to ask if he was interested in taking charge of England when Eriksson moved on after the World Cup finals.

Wenger told Barwick from the outset that he did not want the job because he wanted to stay in club football.

But the pair spoke for about two hours about the qualities the FA might look for as they continued their search.

Many supporters and pundits alike viewed Wenger as a suitable candidate and were perplexed as to why he was never on the FA's shortlist.

An FA spokesman said: "The meeting with Arsene was extremely useful, but it was obvious within minutes that he did not want to be considered for the role of England head coach.

"However, he was extremely helpful and provided a great insight into some of the challenges facing any manager. We were very grateful for his time."  PA