Butcher backs Pearce for England

Pearce has been in charge at Man City since March 2005

Former England captain Terry Butcher believes Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce is ready to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England boss this summer.

Butcher said: "Stuart would be right for the job because of the respect that he has and the passion.

"With someone experienced behind him it could be the perfect partnership.

"But with the politics at the Football Association you don't know what will happen. There are strong personalities within the FA with their own opinions."

He added: "It may be a case of a lot of debate, lobbying and political manoeuvring - just like Westminster."

Eriksson did a reasonable job but nothing exceptional that could not have been done by anybody else in England Jack Charlton

Another former England international, Jack Charlton, said he was unconvinced by the whole Eriksson era and feels a British manager could do at least as good a job.

Former Republic of Ireland boss Charlton said: "Eriksson did a reasonable job but nothing exceptional that could not have been done by anybody else in England.

"The only real result he had that caused you to clap was when he beat Germany 5-1 - and I watched that game and we had five shots and scored five goals.

"I thought we were a bit lucky to get away with it that day - but we did.

"As far as the rest of the games are concerned, I don't think he has beaten anyone remarkable.

"I have always wanted an Englishman in charge.

"There are quite a few who would do a good job but we have got to make sure he is Great British. I don't think foreign managers have the commitment."

Meanwhile, Butcher is confident that Arsenal defender Sol Campbell will be fit to make the England squad for the World Cup finals.

He added: "He deserves to be there because of what he has done for England.

"He has played in five championships and has never let England down. He is a terrific player and a terrific personality so if he is right physically and mentally he should be on the plane.

"Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger knows him very well so as soon as he gets back in the Arsenal first team there will be no argument as far as England is concerned.

I am aware that if I am sat on the bench and not playing, Mr Eriksson can't see me and assess my form Jermain Defoe

"Sol has a great belief in his ability and does his job very well, leading by example."

Meanwhile, Tottenham's England striker Jermain Defoe fears he may run out of time to prove he is worth a place in the squad for Germany.

Defoe has struggled to hold down a first-team place at White Hart Lane in recent weeks and faces stiff competition from Darren Bent, Dean Ashton and James Beattie.

"I have been thinking about which strikers will be going to the World Cup and have tried to work out all the options," said Defoe.

"I know the manager has said he wants to see more of me and, hopefully, I can get some more games for Spurs before the end of the season.

"I am aware that if I am sat on the bench and not playing, Mr Eriksson can't see me and assess my form.

"But he knows what I can do and I am confident enough in my own ability to believe that when I play I will score goals and contribute to the team's success."