Glenn Hoddle believes managing England is a tougher job than being Prime Minister.

Hoddle, whose reign as England boss came to an acrimonious end in 1999, said the level of scrutiny and intrusion is unique, although he thinks new incumbent Fabio Capello's lack of English may actually prove a blessing in disguise.

"The England job is an impossible job," Hoddle told the Times. "I think that, particularly for an Englishman, it's tougher than being Prime Minister.

"The only time things are more difficult for a Prime Minister is when he is making the decision to go to war and putting someone else's life on the line.

"The thing about the Prime Minister is that nobody really gets to approach you and talk about politics. But everywhere you go as England coach -- in a petrol station, in a restaurant with your wife, in an airport lounge -- you have people telling you how to do your job.

"I'm not sure that the England manager should be paid as much money as he is but one of the reasons the salary is so high is because of the incredible level of intrusion."

Italian Capello, reported to be on £6.5 million a year, is currently taking English lessons and says he will talk to the players in English when they play their first match under his command on February 6.

"The one advantage Capello has from that perspective is his lack of English," said Hoddle. "When I went to play in France I was not good for the first six months but I never saw the things written about me because I couldn't read French.

"In the same way, Capello can distance himself from what the press are saying. I would advise him not to read the papers unless there is something he really needs to know."

"When you are England manager there are always people who will want you out of the job. It will happen to Capello, it happened to Sven (Goran Eriksson) and it happened to me. That is why it's called a poisoned chalice."

Hoddle, who made 53 appearances for England as a midfielder, has been out of football management since leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2006.

Reuters