Capello makes Pearce coach

Fabio Capello has handed Stuart Pearce a job as part of the senior coaching team. A job which Pearce will take control of on the 6th of Febuary for the Switzerland game.

Pearce, 45, will still be coach of the England Under-21 side and will take charge of their game against the Republic of Ireland on 5 February.

He will then join up with Capello as England play Switzerland a day later in the Italian's first game in charge.

"From the start I made it clear that I wanted an English coach as part of my coaching team," said Capello.

"I have spoken with Trevor Brooking and Stuart Pearce about this at length and I'm very happy that Stuart is working with me.

"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.

"I believe it is crucial that both of us have a close working partnership to get the best for both the England team and Under-21s.

"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 won 78 caps for England as a player and had a spell in charge of Manchester City before taking over as England U21 coach.

"It will be a fantastic opportunity and a great education for me to work with Fabio Capello and the England senior team," Pearce told the Football Association website. "My main focus will still be on the U21s.

"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."