Captain John Terry says Mourinho is standout candidate for England job

John Terry, England captain, considers his former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho to be the best candidate for the national team coach.

Photo: Captain John Terry says Mourinho is standout candidate for England job

England is looking for a replacement for Steve McClaren, who was fired two weeks ago after the team failed to qualify for Euro 2008. Mourinho, who left Chelsea in September, is the bookmakers' favorite to take over even though he is yet to be contacted by the Football Association.

Mourinho guided Chelsea to its first two league titles in 50 years when he arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2004, having just led FC Porto to the Champions League title. Terry played a major part in the club's success under the Portuguese coach.

"He came in and took us to a new level. I'm very lucky to have been able to work with Jose," Terry said. "He's a fantastic manager, a fantastic guy. There's many more being talked about at the moment but he is one that stands out for me and could make a big difference. He's a great guy, he's tactically very aware and he understands the game very well.

"It's down to the FA to contact him if they want to speak to him. There's other managers out there that are being talked about and they're very good."

Terry, who is recovering from knee surgery, said he had already talked to FA chief executive Brian Barwick but declined to say what was discussed.

"I've had a meeting with Brian Barwick but that stays very private between me and him," the Chelsea captain said. "I'm sure he's going to meet a few of the other guys as well."