FA Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking has totally refuted the backpage story in today's Daily Mail, claiming a rift between him and FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick over the next England manager.

Sir Trevor said: "There is absolutely no truth in this story whatsoever.

"There is no disagreement between Brian and I on who the next England manager should be. In fact, we are agreed on the way forward. We are both totally committed to working together to find the right man for the job.

"In addition, I have not expressed a preference for any potential candidate, either publicly or privately.

"Specifically, it is completely untrue that I have been backing Alan Curbishley for the job. I have never been asked about Alan, either by the Daily Mail or any other newspaper.

"It is even more disappointing as yesterday evening I was at a social event with the two reporters who wrote today's story, and neither spoke to me to respond to it. If they had done so, I could have told them that it was completely inaccurate.

"Brian and I are extremely annoyed at what appears to be an effort to destablise our work together to find the next England manager, but we will continue to move forward together in the same positive manner."