Rafael Benitez urges FA to appoint England boss now

Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes that the Football Association should not wait until the end of the season to appoint a new England manager.

The governing body have hesitated in naming the national side's new coach since the departure of Fabio Capello last month.

"I know that [searching for Capello's replacement] is a problem," said Benitez. "People say 'No, it's not important because you will have a friendly'. I think that it is important to know who is in charge and how he will prepare.

"He will see the players, he will talk to the players, he will be preparing mentally the players for the Euros. You have quality players, they have the potential, but you need an idea.

"If you have an idea, if you have a system, then [the players] will follow the manager and they will have the belief. That is the key."

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp, who is the strong favourite to take the helm with the Three Lions, has reportedly decided to accept the job if it is offered to him.