The Dutchman was sounded out about the possibility of succeeding Sven-Goran Eriksson during the early stages of the FA's recruitment campaign, only to tell chief executive Brian Barwick he was not interested.

After masterminding Russia's comeback victory over England in Moscow last night, a result which left McClaren hanging onto his job by a thread, Hiddink's name is bound to be mentioned again should the FA decide change is required.

At club level with PSV Eindhoven and on the international scene with Holland, South Korea, Australia and Russia, Hiddink boasts an impressive CV and would be close to the top of any shortlist Barwick drafted.

But, having given his word to the Russian Football Federation that he would be willing to stay in his current job for another two years, Hiddink is not about to change his mind.

"There are some small details to sort out but, in principle, I have given my word to Russia that I will stay," said Hiddink.

"I have not formally signed my contract but once the details are sorted out, everything will be fine. I will stay and I am happy to stay."

While McClaren was telling anyone prepared to listen that England were in total control of last night's encounter - and would have won had it not been for the controversial penalty which gifted Russia their equaliser - Hiddink had a different view.

He had already highlighted a clear weakness down England's left flank, where he felt Joleon Lescott was operating in a more central position than would have been ideal, putting more pressure on Joe Cole defensively.

It is the kind of instinctive knowledge McClaren does not seem to possess.

And, although Hiddink feared his young team were too inexperienced to seize their chance, his faith was eventually rewarded.

"When you have Joe Cole playing left-back like that, you know you can damage them," he added.

"We were already a threat, which is why I made the change at half-time.

"It would be very arrogant of me to say I was confident when we were 1-0 down, especially with such a young side.

"But we know England's defence does not like to be under pressure and, both tactically and mentally, we remained very strong."

Hiddink was always optimistic, even at 1-0 down, that his team could rattle England.

"I told the players at half-time that if they equalised the stadium would go crazy - and it would change the course of the game,'' he recalled.

``I said that if we equalised it will make it tough for them. England would not be able to cope with the pressure.

``We have a creative side, and on this occasion they converted their chances into goals. It's great that the team is developing both in terms of psychology and tactics.

``It would be arrogant to claim that, at 1-0, I was confident of a positive outcome. We have a young team, the majority of whom don't have much experience.

``But I am proud that, having suffered a blow in the first half, they found in themselves the strength to reply.''

It was substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko who scored both Russia's goals - and he admitted luck favoured the hosts but claimed there was only going to be one outcome once his team had gone ahead.

``Some will say that we got lucky, but luck favours those who are worthy and want it the most," he reasoned.

"After going 2-1 up, for some reason I was confident of victory.

``There was still time, and England were pushing everybody forward - but I felt calm inside.''

Pavlyuchenko also revealed that Roman Abramovich entered the Russian dressing room after the game to congratulate the players.

``He congratulated us all on victory and wished us a fitting end to the qualifying campaign'', the striker added.