Pearce's family not an issue

Less than 24 hours after being confirmed as caretaker manager of the Three Lions for the forthcoming friendly with Holland, Pearce has hit the headlines after some newspapers reported his brother was a member of the far-right British National Party.

Pearce has been placed in temporary charge in the wake of Fabio Capello's resignation, with the Italian unhappy that John Terry was stripped of the captaincy by the FA until the conclusion of his trial for allegedly racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. Terry has always denied the charges.

But Club England managing director Adrian Bevington insists that Pearce's family has no impact on his role.

"There have been a few occasions where Stuart has been asked this specific question and, as an individual, he has made it clear that he is not involved in his brother's political beliefs, in the same way as I'm sure that everybody who has siblings does not always share their political stance," said Bevington.

"It is a matter for Stuart Pearce's brother rather than Stuart, we would suggest.

"I don't think we can get into the realms of being judgmental on someone because of what their brother or any sibling's views may be."

Ince

However, there is also another difficulty involving Pearce.

The former England international was accused of making a racist remark about Paul Ince in 1994, which PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor subsequently claimed Pearce regretted.

That matter was put to FA chairman David Bernstein at Wembley on Thursday, only for it to be made clear it was not up for debate.

"We're not going to go back over extensive grounds today in that respect," said Bernstein.

"I certainly can't talk about that comment."