Pearce confirmed caretaker

STUART Pearce had no hesitation agreeing to take temporary charge of England following the shock resignation of Fabio Capello, David Bernstein revealed.

Football Association chairman Bernstewin confirmed that England Under-21 and Great Britain Olympic manager Pearce would manage the senior team for the 29 February friendly with the Netherlands at Wembley.

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 of succeeding the Italian after Euro 2012. But the fiercely patriotic former England left-back, who won 78 caps, 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’. I was really impressed with his attitude. I would expect nothing less from him. He knows the players very well. I have great confidence in Stuart – we will be in good hands.”