Scolari says his English must improve to get Sven's job

Portugal's Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says he needs to improve his command of English to have a chance of taking over the England job from Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"I know if I want to take over England I need to learn the language more," the Brazilian told BBC radio yesterday.

"It is difficult now but I know in two or three months I need to learn more and it is no problem for me.

"It is not a problem for the job as the language for the players I know very well, but it is important for communication."

Scolari, who guided Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002 after they beat England in the last eight, will quit his post with Portugal at the end of this year's finals.

Swede Eriksson agreed last month to step down after the World Cup following a sting by a British Sunday newspaper in which he told a journalist posing as an Arab businessman that he would be prepared to dump England.

Scolari, who is known as 'Big Phil', said he would consider taking over as coach of Premier League Newcastle, who sacked Graeme Souness last week.

"After I finish my contract with Portugal (on July 30) I will consider all offers," he said.