FA could look beyond England

The confirmation that the FA will consider overseas candidates, or even Scottish, Irish or Welsh candidates, may be seen as surprising, given it was widely expected that they would train the focus on finding the best English candidate available.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has emerged as the favourite for the post since Fabio Capello quit last night, and with his East End roots the 64-year-old would fit the bill if nationality is a priority.

Stuart Pearce, the England Under-21 and Great Britain Olympic team boss, has been put in caretaker charge for the friendly against Holland on February 29.

But when asked if the new manager would be English, Bernstein said at a Wembley press conference: "No, he will not definitely be English.

"Clearly there's a preference for an Englishman. The position hasn't changed.

"There's a preference for an English person or a British person but in the end we want the best person.

"So I'm not prepared to rule out anything at this stage.

"Clearly an English or British person would have a good start on the matter."