The clamour for a woman to replace the sacked Mark Sampson as head coach of the England women’s team has been joined by Kelly Smith, the country’s finest ever female player and now assistant manager at her long-time club Arsenal.

Smith has ruled herself out of the running for a job which has become vacant after Sampson was deemed guilty by the Football Association of “inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour” while managing Bristol Academy before his England appointment.

Instead Smith has nominated two coaches who she has played under while an Arsenal player: Laura Harvey - now at American club Seattle Reign - and Chelsea’s current manager Emma Hayes.

“Laura and Emma are the top female managers, in my eyes, for the job,” said Smith, who is highly regarded by the FA and would have been a contender for the position.

Hayes has stressed that her focus is on Chelsea, but speaking from the USA Harvey was clearly open to discussions with the FA.

The 37-year-old ex-Birmingham manager edges Hayes in terms of international experience as she has been involved with England squads up to Under-23 level and worked this year with America’s Under-23 squad.

Harvey also won four League titles, two FA Cups and three League Cups while with Arsenal and has twice won the prestigious NWSL Shield with Seattle.

“I love club football and I love working in America,” she said, “but the international game is the pinnacle of any coach’s career. If the FA picked up the phone and called me I’d happily have a conversation with them.”

