Former England striker Alan Shearer has backed Steve Bruce to succeed Roy Hodgson as manager of the national team.
A whole host of names have been linked with the post since Hodgson stepped down in the wake of England's Euro 2016 exit at the hands of Iceland, although the frontrunners now appear to be Jurgen Klinsmann, Sam Allardyce and Eddie Howe.
However, Shearer believes that Hull City boss Bruce should be considered and argued that appointing a foreign manager would undermine English coaches.
"The FA constantly talk about wanting their own identity. They bang on about St George's Park and our need to develop the standard and quality of our coaching. They insist former players complete their coaching badges in England rather than elsewhere, do their B, A and Pro Licence and climb their career ladder. So how on earth can they consider appointing a foreign manager?" Shearer wrote in his column for The Sun.
"The FA produced their handbook, the England DNA, and yet here we are, when push comes to shove and a decision needs to be made, they are thinking of hiring a foreign manager again. What message does that send out to every aspiring young English coach, or just any English coach for that matter? It would be a slap in the face. It would go exactly against what they are telling everyone we should do and exactly against their own system.
"Why can't we have an English guy to manage England? It's not like we have a long list of amazing foreign candidates who are available. It's not like taking that path has worked before. I get that there is not a huge list of suitable English candidates. But there are people out there who should be considered and spoken to. Why wouldn't they give it to Steve Bruce? He would be my pick. Bruce has worked in English football all his life. He knows the game inside out and is widely respected. He has played at the highest level with Manchester United.
"Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe lacks top-level experience but could do a job. If they go for Eddie Howe, that would be fine as well. I wouldn't have an issue with that. He is young, energetic and fresh and he would fit with the FA's so-called blueprint. The players would respect him, he's a contemporary of theirs.
"Alternatively, why not do what Germany did and give [Frank] Lampard, Rio [Ferdinand] or [Steven] Gerrard a go, with an experienced coach next to them? If anyone knows where we have gone wrong in the last few years, those guys do. They would know how to motivate the younger generation, understand why they fear failure so much, give them ways to cope with the pressure."
Shearer previously put his own name forward for the job despite his only managerial experience coming during a brief and unsuccessful stint with Newcastle United.
Barney Corkhill
