'Germany were a young team, and for young teams sometimes their reaction is not at the top.

'After the World Cup I decided to carry on because I wasn't happy. My target was to play in the Euros, and during qualification I was sure that the team was better than during the World Cup.

'Another reason I'm happy with the period of Euro qualification is that a lot of young players played for the national team. The whole England team is now young. The goalkeeper, defenders and midfield players. I'm very upset for Jack Wilshere, as he's a very important player for England and Arsenal, but there's also Phil Jones, Kyle Walker, Danny Welbeck and a lot of other young players.

'Look at the end of the Premier League season. There are six top teams. Two are playing to be champions. Four are playing to qualify for the Champions League. Chelsea will play in the Champions League final, and before that another cup final, as well as trying to qualify for next season's Champions League. And a lot of players who will be at the Euros are part of these teams. They are expending a lot of physical and mental energy. I don't know what can be done. It's not my job.

'Managing England is not impossible,' he added. 'Everything is possible, but you need to be lucky. When you play in the World Cup and the Euros the balance between the teams is very small. For this reason if you're not at your top level, you need to be lucky.'

Regarding his own future, the  65-year-old admitted he was looking for one final job with a top European club, and possibly managing in the Barclays Premier League.

He said: 'At the end of my career, it would be interesting to find a team with big motivation to arrive at the top.

'England would be very interesting for me because I know very well the teams and the players, and everything would be less difficult. It would be easier for me in England. And my English is not so bad!'

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