LEAD: England to draw up shortlist; Pearce in charge for Dutch game

Feb 9, 2012, 12:54 GMT

London - England's Football Association is to draw up a shortlist of candidates to manage the national side following the resignation of Fabio Capello.

FA chairman David Bernstein would not be drawn at a press conference Thursday on media reports linking Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp with the job.

'I'm not going to get into any discussion on any individuals,' he said.

'We will do this as quickly as we sensibly can. It will be interesting to see who comes to us and we'll be putting together a shortlist.'

England under-21 coach Stuart Pearce was meanwhile confirmed as manager for the friendly against Netherlands on February 29.

Capello, who resigned after disagreeing with the FA's decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy, meanwhile released a statement thanking 'all players, staff and Football Association for the professionalism they have shown during my years as manager of the English national team.'

He added: 'A very special thanks to all the supporter: they've always supported the team and me in our job.

'I wish all of them every success in achieving all their sporting goals.'

Redknapp, who was Wednesday cleared in a trial on tax evasion charges, said he was 'shocked' to hear of Capello's resignation, saying his immediate focus was on Tottenham.

'I don't know anything about the England job,' he told Sky Sports News.

'I've not even thought about it. I've got a job to do, I've got a big game on Saturday with Tottenham so Tottenham is my focus.'

England players Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney were among those calling for Redknapp to be appointed England manager.

Bernstein said Capello's departure was 'regrettable' but the FA 'got it absolutely right' with the decision to strip Terry of the captainy in view of the Chelsea defender's trial after Euro 2012 for alleged racial abuse.

'Fabio has had a great record. We had a very frank meeting with Fabio which was very civilised and at the end he decided he had to go,' Bernstein said.

He added the Capello's comments to an Italian broadcaster on the England captaincy 'caused conjecture and huge public debate and an unsatisfactory situation'.