There is speculation that McClaren's tenure as national team boss could be coming to an end after England's Euro 2008 qualification hopes were taken out of their own hands with a 2-1 defeat by Russia in Moscow.

England now need Russia to slip up against Israel or Andorra, or for Macedonia to shock group leaders Croatia if they are to retain any hope of reaching the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Former Chelsea manager Mourinho has been strongly linked with the post, should it become available, but the Portuguese insists he is more interested in club football and the only international side he would manage is his home nation.

He told the News of the World: "I couldn't see myself coaching any national team other than Portugal. If I were coach of another team and had to face Portugal, it would be wrong.

"I think there are those who adore me in England. I adore English football. But I won't go back there for now. I'd like to come back later.

"I'd like to continue in club management, perhaps in Italy where I can test myself against their tacticians. The national team would be for later. The Portuguese national team is an ambition but not for the Jose Mourinho of today.

"Being the coach of a national team is not the same as being coach of a club. It's a job for someone who doesn't like working much."

And Mourinho insists that bringing in coaches from overseas to lead international sides is wrong.

He added: "I'm completely against having foreigners with national teams, not because I doubt the professionalism with which they do it, but I think that a national team should bring together the best players and the best coach from each country.

"The national team is an obsession for me but it will be at the end of my career. Let there be no doubt about that."

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