Ange Postecoglou makes England feelings clear as FA 'target Tottenham manager'

Ange Postecoglou has insisted that his full focus remains on Tottenham Hotspur amid speculation linking him with the England job. The Football Association is searching for Gareth Southgate's successor after he announced his resignation on Tuesday, and Postecoglou is reportedly in the frame.

Southgate called an end to his eight-year reign after England suffered heartbreak in a second successive Euros final against Spain last Sunday.

And Postecoglou has been alongside the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino among an all-star field of coaching names unsurprisingly linked with the job.

According to the Telegraph, the 58-year-old is expected to be on the shortlist compiled by FA technical director John McDermott in the coming weeks.

McDermott is said to be an admirer of his work away from England - in Australia, Japan and Scotland - and since he landed the Spurs job last summer.

Postecoglou also boasts previous international experience, enjoying a successful tenure in charge of the Australian national team from 2013 to 2017.

However, he has poured cold water on suggestions that he could walk away from Tottenham in favour of taking the England mantle.

Before Spurs' first pre-season friendly against Hearts at Tynecastle Park, Postecoglou stressed his intention to experience glory in north London.

"I'm in the middle of... the start of pre-season," Postecoglou told Sky Sports in Edinburgh.

"I'm the Tottenham manager, and I've got nothing else but trying to bring success to this football club.

"Until I do that, there's no point in me thinking about anything else. I had a nap this afternoon, mate, so I have no idea what's going on."

He added: "I enjoyed my time [as Australia boss]. We won the Asia Cup, qualified for the World Cup.

"But with all these things, there's always a natural end, and I thought there was a natural end for me there. I loved coaching the national team.

"Maybe in the future [I will return to international management], who knows? Five years ago I was in Japan and now I'm in the Premier League, so..."

Tottenham thrashed Hearts 5-1 after Brennan Johnson scored the only goal of the first half, assisted by James Maddison, in the 39th minute.

Lawrence Shankland equalised for the hosts instantly after the second half began before Will Lankshear fired Spurs back into the lead 10 minutes later.

Mikey Moore made it 3-1 after the hour mark before Djed Spence added a fourth, and a Lewis Neilson own goal completed the scoring with five minutes left.

Postecoglou will be eyeing improvement after a positive first season in charge, guiding Spurs to Europa League football with a fifth-place finish.