Rugby union coach Mike Ford has ruled himself out of the running to become the new head coach of the England rugby league team.

The current England defence coach was reported to be one of the candidates the Rugby Football Union were interested in talking to following Tony Smith's decision to step down after the Four Nations.

But despite Ford's career beginning in rugby league as a scrum-half with Oldham, Castleford and Wakefield, the 44-year-old coach is not interested in switching codes at this moment in time.

"I'm happy where I am and want to stay with England rugby union," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

"We've got a job to do - the ultimate goal being the 2011 World Cup."

Meanwhile, Ford has tipped Smith's former England assistant and current Bradford Bulls head coach Steve McNamara for the job.

"I'm sure there are plenty of candidates out there," he added. "There's plenty to choose from.

"Steve McNamara springs to mind who has already been on board and seems a natural successor to Tony Smith."