"I don't know anything about the England job, I've not thought about it. I've got a big game on Saturday with Tottenham so Tottenham is my focus," he told reporters.

Capello, who quit the job on Wednesday after a disagreement with the Football Association over John Terry being stripped of the captaincy, issued a short statement as he flew out of London. "I would like to thank all players, staff and Football Association for the professionalism they have shown during my years as manager of the English National Team," said the Italian, who helped England qualify for two major championships but flopped at the 2010 World Cup.

Capello resigned after 42 matches in charge leaving England without a manager or captain four months before the start of Euro 2012.

Pearce, 49, made almost 750 league appearances during his playing career. He also picked up 78 caps for England. He has been the England Under-21 manager since 2007 and was one of Capello's assistants with the senior team.

"He has huge experience inside and outside this organisation," FA Chairman David Bernstein told a news conference. "I have great confidence in Stuart, we will be in good hands. Our priority then will be to appoint a new England manager. We don't want to rush the process... we'll be putting a shortlist together of key people."

Bernstein said the board would be sitting down on Friday to discuss the issue. While Bernstein would not comment on the widespread speculation over Redknapp, he said there was a preference for an Englishman to get the job.

The backing for the 64-year-old Redknapp came from two of England’s most prominent players came on Twitter. Rooney said he was “gutted’’ that Capello quit, and then added: “Got to be english to replace him. Harry redknapp for me.’’

England and United teammate Ferdinand echoed Rooney’s remarks. “I think we need an English manager now, we don’t need anything else lost in translation,’’ Ferdinand tweeted.

Becks as coach?