Capello recruits Pearce for England coaching set-up

Stuart Pearce will become part of England manager Fabio Capello's coaching team, the Football Association said.

Former England defender Pearce will work alongside Italian Capello with the senior team, starting in next week's friendly against Switzerland. He will also continue as coach of the England under-21 team.

"From the start I made it clear to everyone that I wanted an English coach as part of my coaching team," Capello said on the FA's Web site (www.thefac.com).

"This is very important as Stuart has a lot of experience and understanding of English football. He understands what I am looking to achieve and how I want to work.

"As well as being involved in all of the planning ahead of games, he will sit next to me on the bench during the matches and have a key position around the team."

Pearce, nicknamed "Psycho" during his playing days, was a rugged left back with a thunderous shot, earning 78 caps for his country. He spent the majority of his club career with Nottingham Forest but also had spells with Newcastle United and West Ham United.

"It will be a fantastic opportunity and a great education for me to work with Fabio Capello and the England senior team," Pearce said. "My main focus will still be on the under-21s. "We have an important qualifier on Tuesday and I will continue to be with that squad as we work towards reaching the under-21 European Championship in summer 2009.

"Once the under-21 games have been played I'm looking forward to being involved with the senior team as much as possible."

Pearce, tipped as a future manager of the senior team, will be in charge of the under-21s for their match against Ireland at Southampton's stadium on Tuesday.