Football Association chairman David Bernstein has claimed that the governing body could appoint another foreign manager.
Many have suggested that the next Three Lions coach should be homegrown, with Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp being touted as the favourite to replace Fabio Capello, who resigned yesterday.
"Clearly there's a preference for an Englishman," said Bernstein. "The position hasn't changed. There's a preference for an English person or a British person but in the end we want the best person.
"So I'm not prepared to rule out anything at this stage. Clearly an English or British person would have a good start on the matter."
The FA confirmed today that England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce will take charge of the senior side's friendly against Holland at the end of this month.