Pearce gives FA food for thought

Stuart Pearce feels he is not ready to become the next England manager when Fabio Capello steps down, news which will make the Football Association sit up and take notice.

The powers-that-be at FA headquarters will have already been discussing who will take the reins of the national side, when Capello quits following Euro 2012 – should England qualify.

Pearce has been seen by some as a natural successor and it seems that was the plan for the FA, after giving him a coaching role beside Capello and sticking by him as Under-21 boss. Those following the Euro 2012 betting will have expected him to have one eye on the job.

But despite the invaluable experience he will have gained in the last couple of years, the former England full-back believes he needs more time to learn his trade.

Pearce will be 50 when Capello steps aside, but 'Psycho' thinks he needs more managerial experience before he can think about taking the senior position. Those looking at stars and strikes may agree.

The former Manchester City boss said: "I believe it's maybe a job for an older man who has got more experience. If you amass all the games (as a manager, it is less than 200 matches. For me, there is not enough experience there."

So who do the FA turn to?

They have been strong indications that they will look to a British manager, after failed spells under Capello (so far) and Sven Goran Eriksson.

Harry Redknapp appears to be number one candidate and he has often admitted it's a job he would be proud to take.

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson is another who has been mentioned, with previous international experience with Switzerland. But his failure at Liverpool may concern those doing the hiring.

Martin O'Neill, Sam Allardyce and even David Beckham are the other names believed to be in the frame for the role some describe as the "impossible job".