Austria, who face England at Old Trafford next month, have failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

Krankl, whose contract was due to expire next month, leaves the job ahead of schedule after failing to lead the country to either Euro 2004 or next summer's World Cup finals in Germany.

"Hans Krankl will not train our national team any longer,'' said OFB president Friedrich Stickler. "I would like to thank Hans Krankl for his work and I wish him the best in the future.''

Krankl added: "I am naturally disappointed. It was an honour for me to coach the team. I wish my successor all the best.''

The Austrian Football Federation (OFB) have identified Hickersberger (above), coach of Austrian champions Rapid Vienna, as the man to lead them into the European Championships in 2008, a tournament they co-host with Switzerland.

Hickersberger has previous experience of coaching Austria having run team affairs 15 years ago but it is not clear if he will be released by Rapid in time to coach Austria against England on 08 October.