The former Castleford, Wakefield and Great Britain scrum-half is understood to be a potential replacement for England chief Tony Smith, who resigned after the Gillette Four Nations final.

Ford has received some fierce criticism for his part in England's troubled autumn union series and, with Twickenham's director of rugby Rob Andrew currently undertaking a review into their failings, moving to such a high-profile position in the 13-man game could be seen as ideal timing.

However, Ford insists he has not been approached by the RFL, is confident his RFU position is under no threat, and believes he will continue working as part of Martin Johnson's management team when the Six Nations starts in February.

"I'm not concerned," he told the Yorkshire Post.

"I talk to the powers-that-be; I talk to Martin regularly and Rob regularly. These guys are solid individuals and would tell you if they weren't happy with you but my conversations with them have been very clear and supportive. I'm not worried."

As for the interest from the RFL – a high-placed Twickenham insider said "gentle enquiries" had been made – Ford added: "I'm very flattered and very surprised to be linked but there's no truth in the rumours.

"The RFL hasn't approached me and I have been chuckling to myself at how all this has happened. I've even heard today my odds have shortened.

"I'm very, very happy where I am and have no ambition to leave the RFU.

"There's the Six Nations, a World Cup around the corner and another Lions tour which we probably all want to go on."

The former Saracens chief, who first moved to union seven years ago as Ireland defence coach, is on a 12-month rolling contract at headquarters with Johnson contracted until 2011.

Ford, 44, was player-coach at Bramley and hometown Oldham after completing an accomplished career in rugby league's top flight and admits he may one day return to his first love.

"Never say never but I've got three boys and the two eldest are playing rugby union now," said Ford, who watched Joe, 18, and George, 16, make their debut against each other in the Leeds Carnegie versus Leicester Tigers LV= Cup tie earlier this month.

"I feel obliged to stay in the sport with them.

"I love rugby league though and I've been coaching my youngest Jake down at Saddleworth Rangers Under-12s.

"I watched the Four Nations games when I was in camp with England and I honestly don't know who they should go for.

"I'm not sure what the job spec is. Steve McNamara has been Tony's assistant and has done well so it'd seem the natural progression for him to move up but I don't know if he could do both jobs with his position as Bradford Bulls head coach.

"If the RFL do want a full-time manager it needs to be someone older and more experienced, like Brian Noble."

Ex-Great Britain coach Noble, who Smith succeeded at the end of 2006, is not in the frame given he has just accepted a three-year deal with Super League's basement club Crusaders in Wales.

Another former national chief John Kear, in charge during the 2000 World Cup, fits the bill with his knowledge but the 55-year-old yesterday ruled himself out by re-affirming his loyalty to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

The RFL have set-up a four-man panel to find Smith's successor with a decision expected before the start of the new Super League season in February.

Meanwhile, Ford revealed his shock at the level of condemnation following England's three Test matches at Twickenham.

They lost 18-9 against Australia, edged past Argentina 19-6 in a drab affair before showing more desire but losing out by the same scoreline to New Zealand on Saturday.

Injuries have not aided their cause but with just one try to their name, there has been a distinct lack of style to England's play and the criticism has been extensive.

However, Ford maintained: "I am surprised the criticism has come with such vitriol and intensity.

"After what we achieved in the Six Nations last year, consider Ireland, who won the Grand Slam, struggled against Australia with a full team.

"Australia scored more points (20) versus them than they did against us while New Zealand did no better against us either.

"It has just surprised me how vicious it has been. We always want to improve and play better but at the same time the criticism after Argentina was unnecessary.

"As coaches, it's made us all the more stronger and determined and we feel we're on the right path."