AZ Alkmaar manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed his interest in replacing Steve McClaren as England manager.

Van Gaal has an impressive CV to his name, with the ex-Barcelona boss having won La Liga, Uefa Cup, UEFA Champions League and the Eredivisie title.

The 56-year-old believes the time is right to take the reins of England as they have great potential, although he is not holding his breath that FA chief Brian Barwick will be calling him.

While Van Gaal has a clause in his contract that allows him to manage England, it does not start until 2009 and the tactician is wary AZ chairman Dirk Scheringa will not let him leave sooner.

"It's a very good job to take as the results from the English team are not so good," Van Gaal told Sky Sports News.

"I've always had the ambition to be a coach of a very good team that can win a Championship and I believe a country like England can win a Championship.

"I'm fully aware of my contract, along with the president. I don't think the president would permit me to go to the English job.

"You can always talk, but it would be very difficult for [Barwick]. It's better for him to look for another coach. But I'm available in 2009."