O'Neill left Celtic at the end of last season

Premier League chairman Dave Richards is a member of the three-man panel that will find Eriksson's successor.

"It's time for a British boss, somebody who understands our passion, belief and commitment. There's no distinction between English and British."

Richards' statement seems to hint at former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill.

Northern Irishman O'Neill has been widely reported as the FA's choice to succeed Swede Eriksson.

Now we will sit down and find out just who is up for the job Dave Richards

Richards, Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick and international committee chairman Noel White will present a list of candidates to a full meeting of the FA board on 27 February.

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce, Charlton's Alan Curbishley and Sam Allardyce of Bolton are also said to be in the running.

"We are the biggest nation in the world that plays this game and we want someone who can really move us on," Richards added.

"I don't know yet who it will be. But everyone keeps telling me there are all these coaches available. Well, now we will sit down and find out just who is up for the job.

I don't think O'Neill really deserves the status he currently enjoys From MO Have your say on 606

"We have still got a bit of time. We are going to go and win the World Cup first."

However, FA officials later refused to rule out appointing a foreign boss.

A senior figure at the FA said: "Of course we would like the best candidate to be from our shores, that would be perfect, and Brian Barwick has already made that clear.

"However, we must remain open-minded. What we want is the best manager.

"But whoever it is, we must ensure that they realise the situation in this country in that we have an intrusive media - it's the territory that goes with the job.

Eriksson will stand down as England manager following this year's World Cup finals in Germany.

Dutchman Guus Hiddink and Brazilian coach Luis Felipe Scolari have also been mentioned as possible replacements.

Hiddink is currently in charge of PSV Eindhoven and the Australia national team while Scolari will stand down as Portugal manager after the World Cup.