Capello has become the new Real Madrid manager

The former Juventus boss revealed that the FA wanted to interview him after it was announced that Sven-Goran Eriksson would step down after the World Cup.

But Capello told the News of the World: "The FA asked Juventus if it was possible to have an interview with me.

"At the time Juventus said I was their coach and they said no."

Capello, who on Wednesday signed a three-year deal to manage Spanish side Real Madrid, added: "If I had been free, yes it would have been something I would have seriously considered.

"It is the sort of job that is an honour for every coach to be the manager of England.

"But the timing of the situation meant it was not dependent on me. It was the decision of Juve."

The 60-year-old has won eight titles with four different clubs in Italy and Spain and quit Juventus 24 hours before returning to Real - where he won La Liga in 1997.

Capello added that he was also approached for the England position before Eriksson was appointed in 2000.

He stated: "There was also contact from the FA but it didn't happen then either.

"Eriksson did good things in Italy but a national team is different. You have a short time to create a team and a system."

Eriksson won five championships in three different countries - Sweden, Portugal and Italy - where he guided Lazio to a league and cup double, the European Cup Winners' Cup and the Uefa Super Cup before becoming England boss.