Sven-Goran Eriksson says he will decide whether to commit himself to the England coaching role before the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal.
Eriksson has been offered a two-year contract extension to 2008 but the Swede is reluctant to rush a decision.
And the Football Association fears he could return to club football.
But Eriksson told The Sun newspaper: "It will be sorted before Euro 2004, but I haven't decided whether it will be tomorrow or in three months time."
He added: "It's too early to say yes, no or whatever. We've time to talk
about it."
Eriksson has been linked with the manager's job at Premiership leaders
Chelsea.