Scolari Wants England Job

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is not hiding his enthusiasm for the England coaching position. Scolari, who led Brazil to the World Cup title in 2002, said on Sunday: “Yes I would like the job. England have a fantastic national team. But it is not for me at this moment. I am very happy in my job with Portugal. But when I finish my contract in July I will be free.”

Scolari says that he has the experience and leadership skills to take on a difficult England job, but he also admits that he would need to improve his English language skills in order to be successful.

I admire Scolari’s frankness about this issue. While a lot of coaches might dodge the question, he clearly is saying what he feels. Will this distract from Portugal’s preparations for the World Cup? It could, but I don’t think it will. Scolari is a solid coach who knows what it takes to win.

I think it would be very interesting to see a Brazilian heading up England’s team. I don’t think it will happen in the wake of Sven-Goran Eriksson, but England could make a worse choice than Scolari.