Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says he was flattered to be in the running to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England national team boss.

Brazilian Scolari pulled out of the race after talks with FA officials, as he intended to honour his contract with Portugal, who are preparing to take on England in the World Cup quarter-finals.

He told reporters: "You have to understand that some people, like me, like to respect their contract.

"I have a contract with the Portuguese FA and I am very happy with it.

"If my 'no' to the English FA hurt someone I am sorry, but I always respect my contracts and stick to them.

"After July 31 I am a free coach so then I can speak to people.

"I have been very proud about the proposal of the English FA but the timing was not correct. I have some ideals in my life and I try to show those to my players so I cannot break them.

"In the future who knows? If the English FA comes with another proposal perhaps we can do a deal, but who knows what the future holds."