'Don't rule out foreigners', Scolari tells FA

Luiz Felipe Scolari has urged the Football Association not to rule out a foreign successor to Sven-Goran Eriksson.

England coach Eriksson will leave after this summer's World Cup and Scolari's own contract with Portugal ends after the tournament in Germany.

Scolari, who led his native Brazil to victory in the last World Cup, beating England en route, admits he has had an 'informal meeting' with the FA.

In January, Eriksson was forced to accept a pay-off from the FA, who wanted his contract to end in July - two years before the 2008 expiry date - after damaging revelations in the News of the World.

An undercover reporter posing as a rich Arab sheikh duped Eriksson into believing he wanted to give the Swede a new job.

But Scolari does not want the events surrounding Eriksson's departure to influence the FA's decision on his successor.

'I believe that a foreign coach could still triumph with England. What has happened with Eriksson should not and does not affect other foreign coaches taking over,' Scolari told the Daily Star.

'I had an informal meeting with the English federation. My contract finishes with Portugal this summer, but I still have not decided my future. If we won the World Cup I might stay.'

Scolari does not rate his chances, but is keen to succeed Eriksson.

'I do not feel I am in a race to be the next England boss. It is great my work and career has been recognised.

'Dealing with all the Brazilian stars is tough work. I think it would be easier to manage the likes of (David) Beckham, (Michael) Owen, (Wayne) Rooney and (John) Terry.

'Working in England would be great. The atmosphere would be similar to Brazil because the national team is so important.

'Taking this job would be nothing to do with money. I am 57 years old and still have a lot of ambitions in my life. I feel I am still young and can do this job.'