Kevin Keegan has pledged his long-term future to England, by announcing his desire to sign another contract in 2002.

The former Newcastle boss insisted reports that he would resign if England failed to impress in Euro 2000 were false and said he would be "disappointed" if England did not reach the final.

"All things being equal, and having the players I would want being available, then I think we will do very well in Euro 2000," Keegan said.

"I will be disappointed if we do not get to the final, but then you know what I am like.

"Let us be honest. If things do not go really well in Euro 2000, it might not be me in charge. I think that is a realistic statement. But 'I quit' is not what I said in Tokyo when asked about the World Cup draw.

"It is my intention not only to see out my contract but hopefully to get another one. But if we got disastrous results then the likelihood of me seeing out my contract diminishes.

"That's the nature of the job I am in. It would apply whether you are Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle or whoever the next England manager is."

Thatcher out, Cole in

Keegan said Ben Thatcher had ruled himself out of next month's international with Argentina after his recent attack on Sunderland winger Nicky Summerbee.

But there was better news for West Ham's rising star Joe Cole, who Keegan said may feature in his Euro 2000 squad.

"I think Thatcher until last week was someone we were looking at," Keegan said.

"I thought 'there is one who probably would be in the next squad' - and probably will not now.

"I am talking about the elbow incident. There was no pressure from within (the Football Association) about that. But that is how I feel just looking at the incident.

"Euro 2000 is not too early for Joe Cole if he continues the way he is going. I think he knows that. I hope he knows that.

"From what I saw of him the other night (against Aston Villa), he is a stronger boy who is now saying I will do the other things - like winning headers.

"It's not too late for him for next summer. He has got to make progress and he has got to make it rapidly - but Michael Owen did."