Fabio Capello has wished Stuart Pearce good luck as interim manager of England for Wednesday's friendly against The Netherlands.
Capello sends text to interim boss; Fine-tuning to Euro 2012 plans
Fabio Capello has wished Stuart Pearce good luck as interim manager of England for Wednesday's friendly against The Netherlands.
The England Under 21 boss has taken charge of the senior team on a caretaker basis after his predecessor sensationally resigned earlier in February.
Capello's decision to quit has been seen to leave England somewhat in the lurch with just four months to go until the beginning of Euro 2012.
But a confident Pearce is certain all the correct planning is in place and he maintains full respect for Capello after receiving best wishes from the Italian.
The former England international, who worked as part of Capello's backroom staff, on Tuesday told a press conference: "I spoke with Fabio a few days ago to thank him for everything he's done for me.
"And I received a text from him on Monday morning wishing me all the best for the game on Wednesday, which I replied to."
Ideas
Harry Redknapp is the favourite to be named permanent England manager, but Pearce is making a significant effort to be given the job ahead of the summer's European Championship.
And the ex-Manchester City boss, who will not name his
captain to face The Netherlands until Wednesday morning, has even set about fine-tuning the Three Lions' plans for the finals in Poland and the Ukraine.
"The planning process is nigh on in place," said Pearce. "Fabio started that process. We have tinkered with it. The players are aware of it now. We did a presentation to them yesterday."
Pearce added: "I have got my own ideas. We worked well together myself and Fabio. He helped me greatly when I was working him.
"But there are certain things I would do slightly differently. I don't think that is in any way a criticism."
Fill the void
Pearce has made little secret of the fact he would like to be promoted to England's permanent manager, but he also remains diplomatic on any decision from the Football Association.
"If a new man walks through the door any time between Thursday morning and the summer, fantastic, I will support him in any way I can," he said.
Pearce, though, admitted he had not applied for the full-time vacancy created by Capello's departure.
"No. I have spoken to my bosses at the organisation and when asked the question I have given an honest answer in the press conferences," he said.
"I am filling the breach while a new manager is found. The preparation is done for the summer, that's where we are at the moment.
"It buys us time to find the right man to fill the void."
