Keegan to settle England future

Kevin Keegan is preparing to be the next full time coach of the England national side and will meet Fulham owner Mohammed Al Fayed to discuss his future with newly promoted Fulham.

Keegan is keen to see out his Fulham contract - it expires next summer - but has accepted an offer from the English FA to extend his tenure as national team coach.

He accepted the job in February for four matches and his side drew 1-1 in a fair display against Hungary in Budapest. The real test for the former Newcastle manager and twice European Footballer of the Year comes in June when England face Sweden at Wembley on the 5th and a 9th trip to Bulgaria in matches they need to win to stay in Euro 2000 contention.

Tuesday night saw reports come out of the England camp that Keegan had decided to take on the national team job but these were denied yesterday. That denial was premature and Keegan has given interviews to television stations and radio saying "I've taken the job. That's my decision."

He was the first choice to take over after Glenn Hoddle was sacked for remarks about disabled people and reincarnation in a newspaper interview. He will be given a four year contract to encompass the Euro 2000 finals and the 2002 World Cup campaign. Keegan guided Fulham into the English First Division this season and wants to remain as an executive with the club. The London club have been linked with a £5 million bonus for the 48 year old former England captain if they can make it into the Premiership next season.