SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell says he was shocked to be linked with a coaching role in the England set-up.

The Football Association is considering making it mandatory for all England teams to have an ethnic minority coach within their set up.

And Powell was surprised by rumours suggesting he was set for a Three Lions call.

“I was really surprised by it all and I’ve had no official word from anyone at the FA,” said the 48-year-old who won five caps for England as a player.

“It’s a great honour to be linked with a role like that which is part-time I believe.

“But personally, looking at it for anyone to be added into it now would be quite tough because they’ve got their plans, they’ve qualified and they know what they are doing with regards to Russia.

“I could see something happening after the World Cup but it’s a story which came from nowhere.

“I was taken aback by it but I was honoured too.”

However, Powell still seems a viable option for the role as he remains close to England manager Gareth Southgate who he played alongside at Crystal Palace.

“We’re good friends,” said Powell.

“We were apprentices together at Crystal Palace.

“I was a year older than him and we played in the same youth and reserve teams.”

But Powell believes it would be good to see more managers and coaches from an ethnic minority to be involved on the international stage in this country.

“It’s a positive step because it can only encourage others and show you can make a career coaching regardless of your background,” said Powell.

“Trying to get more managers and coaches from ethnic minority backgrounds is a long term issue which has been around for many years.

“It’s a long-term issue which has been around for many years.

“But I think it’s a good move if it’s something that happens in the future, whether it’s me or not.

“We’re talking about all England teams across all age-groups and I think that’s hugely positive but lots would have to happen.

“I won’t be sidetracked by this story and as for where it came from, you tell me.”

Former Blues defender Chris Ramsey has also been linked with an England coaching role.