Pearce takes temporary charge

Football Association chairman Bernstein confirmed this afternoon that England Under-21 boss Pearce would manage the senior team for the February 29 friendly with the Netherlands.

Pearce, who has been on the England coaching staff for five years and was Capello's assistant for four of them, last year ruled out putting himself forward to succeed the Italian after Euro 2012.

But the fiercely patriotic former England left-back had no qualms stepping into the breach on a temporary basis.

Bernstein said: "I want to commend Stuart Pearce. I spoke to him a little earlier and, as you might expect from Stuart, his first thought was for his country and for managing his country without any conditions at all.

"He just said, 'If you would like me to do it, I want to do it'.

"And, I must say, I was really impressed with his attitude. I would expect nothing less from him."

He added: "He has huge experience outside and inside the organisation.

"He has been working with the under-21 team and has been working with Fabio for some time.

"He knows the players very well. I have got great confidence in Stuart - we will be in good hands."