Hiddink hasn't heard from FA

Guus Hiddink has yet to hear from the Football Association about the possibility of succeeding Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach.

The Dutchman, currently splitting his time between managing PSV Eindhoven and Australia, is among the front-runners touted to take over when Eriksson leaves his post after this summer’s World Cup.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick intends to start the process of selecting the new England coach next week – and Hiddink is thought sure to be among those considered.

As yet, though, the 59-year-old has heard nothing.

“There has been no contact whatsoever with the FA,” he told BBC News 24.

“England are one of the leading European football nations, but I can’t react to things which are not reality.”

Hiddink must compete with the likes of bookies’ favourite Sam Allardyce among the home-grown coaches if he is to become England’s second successive foreign manager – and he has a healthy regard for this country’s candidates.

“I respect the English clubs and their managers,” he said.

“There are many English managers doing good jobs and who are very good representatives for England.”

As for England’s chances of winning the World Cup under Eriksson, Hiddink respects those two – but added: “First they’ll have to beat Australia and the Netherlands.”

Speculation about Hiddink’s suitability to be England’s new coach is not something he finds difficult to handle – although he does appear to have some sympathy with Eriksson over the media spotlight he has endured over the past five years.

“It is a little bit distracting, but I am used to it,” he said.

“It is not always nice to see what is happening [to the likes of Eriksson]. I don’t know (how I would react), because I have not experienced it.”