GAMBLOG UK - WE ARE ENGLAND - Curbishley Interviewed For Next England Manager

Charlton boss in pole position to succeed Sven
The Charlton boss spent more than two hours on Friday evening discussing the chance of succeeding Sven Goran Eriksson with two FA bosses at the London home of his brother. Our exclusive picture shows Curbishley leaving the football summit with the FA men. Chief executive Brian Barwick was present with his lawyer sidekick Simon Johnson.

The trio met on Friday evening to hear Curbishley outline his vision for England's football future - if he's appointed as the new head coach.

Four hours earlier, at Charlton's training ground, Curbishley hinted at what was about to happen.

He said: "What they have to do is draw up their short list and probably start talking to people now. There's no other way they're going to get it done. Obviously, they have to get it done before the World Cup." While the FA and Curbishley wanted to keep Friday's meeting secret, Charlton chairman Richard Murray has said he will not stand in Curblishley's way if he's offered the England job.

It's no surprise the FA wanted o talk to Curbs, as I imagine they will talk to Allardyce, o'Neill and all the other interested parties.

I hope it's not Curbishley. I like him as a manager and over the years he has done a great job at Charlton, but he hasn't managed the biggest names (i.e. egos) or led a successful team against the best in Europe.

The next manager has to be able to handle the personalities, play the politics, stand their ground against club management not wanting to release players, and out-think the tactics of the world's best teams.

Oh, and still have time or a bit of fun with the FA secretaries.

By  DavidM, at 2:35 PM