Football Association chairman David Bernstein has refused to guarantee Fabio Capello's successor as England manager will be English - but admits he would prefer not to appoint another foreigner.
Capello's contract expires after Euro 2012 but Bernstein would not be drawn on the timescale for finding a replacement - or whether he would rule out appointing another foreigner.
"I cannot confirm that he will be English," said Bernstein. "I think there is a desire for the manager to be English but I wouldn't want to close the situation and we have to judge it at the time."
He added: "I would not say at this stage that he has to be English, I would say at this stage it would be preferable.
"It is an important element, but not the only criteria, I clearly recognise there is a desire in this country to have an English manager when Fabio leaves."
Meanwhile, Bernstein admitted the controversial fixture scheduling that will see the FA Cup final and the likely Premier League title decider both take place on Saturday could be repeated next season.
Bernstein confirmed the Euro 2012 finals next year could mean top-flight league fixtures being played on the same day as the FA Cup final again - which is traditionally the last match of the season.
The final is also like to kick off at 5.15pm instead of the historic 3pm start.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis has criticised the scheduling which will see this season's FA Cup final between his side and Manchester City potentially overshadowed by Manchester United clinching the Premier League title at Blackburn just minutes earlier.
Bernstein said: "The situation arises not because of the Premier League, but because of Champions League considerations and the fact the Champions League final takes place at Wembley in two weeks."
Source: PA
