STEVE Tilson has put his name forward to be the next manager of the England women’s national team.

The former Southend United boss is still trying to work his way back in to management after leaving Canvey Island at the end of last season.

And Tilson, who helps to coach the successful Basildon Ladies side, would love to replace Hope Powell in charge.

“I’ve applied for the job and it’s a position I would really be interested in doing,” said the Benfleet based Tilson.

“I want to get back in to the game as I’m missing being a manager and this is something slightly different that would be brilliant for me to be a part of.

“The women’s game is improving all the time and getting more and more popular with the Super League being formed so being the England manager would be a fantastic job.

“Whether or not I’ll get the job I don’t know but I’ve applied and would certainly like to be considered for the job.”

Interested applicants have until Friday September 6 to apply for the job, recently vacated by Powell.

She spent 15 years in charge of the team but paid the price for a poor European Championships where England failed to win a single match.

The team have now turned their attentions towards qualifying for the 2015 in Canada.

And if Tilson, who also coaches at Seevic College, does get the job then he will be working with captain Casey Stoney, who was born in Basildon and brought up in Rayleigh.

“I’ve seen Casey play and she’s just one of a number of very good players in the squad,” said Tilson.

“To work at level with that kind of talent would be a fantastic opportunity and one I would love to get.”

Tilson spent seven years in charge of the Shrimpers, leading them to two successive promotions and in to the Championship.

He also took them to the quarter finals of the League Cup after memorably beating Manchester United 1-0 at Roots Hall.

But the club’s fragile finances then began to cause problems and Tilson suffered two relegations in his final three seasons in charge before being sacked in July 2010.

Tilson returned to management three months later when he took control at Lincoln City but he was unable to keep the Imps in League Two and spent just a year in charge.

He also bossed Canvey Island last term as the Gulls just missed out on the Ryman League play-offs.