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Former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given says Roberto Mancini would be the wrong choice as England manager.

The Italian, who guided City to the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title the following year, has been touted as a potential successor to Roy Hodgson, who quit his post after England’s dismal defeat to Iceland at the Euros.

He is thought to be being considered by the FA along with the likes of Laurent Blanc, Jurgen Klinsmann, Roberto Martínez and Sam Allardyce for the vacant post.

But Given, who worked under Mancini at the Etihad Stadium, says it would be a disastrous choice because of his difficult character.

“I don’t know where to start,” Given told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show on talkSPORT.

“For me it should be an Englishman but Mancini at Man City was a volatile character.”

Mancini was sacked by City in 2013, just 12 months after leading the Blues to their first league title in 44 years.

City had struggled to maintain the momentum of the previous season, finishing second in the league, 11 points below Manchester United, and losing in the FA Cup final to relegated Wigan Athletic – but it was Mancini’s autocratic management style, rather than results, that saw him dismissed.

There were concerns at boardroom level that his deteriorating relationship with his players could lead to an exodus of the club’s top stars.

Numerous reports emerged of clashes between the Italian and his players, which were seen as destabilising and not inkeeping with the image the club’s Abu Dhabi overlords were keen to project.

And Given has confirmed fears that Mancini’s abrasive character was putting strain on the squad and staff by admitting there was disharmony in every department.

“He’d fallen out with everyone from the players to the backroom staff to the whole team and the physios and the kit men,” he said. “He’d argue with everyone.

“It wouldn’t be for me but I’m not the guy who makes those decisions. I just feel England should have an English manager but the problem is who from that list would be a good English manager and take such a job on?

“They may have to go abroad but it shouldn’t be Mancini, no.”

Mancini is currently in charge of Inter Milan, where he guided the Italian side to fourth in last season’s Serie A, 24 points adrift of champions Juventus.

There has been speculation he would raid City this summer, with Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta thought to be on his wanted list.

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