Stuart Pearce will take charge of the England team on an interim basis following Fabio Capello's resignation for an upcoming friendly.

While the European Championship is still four months away, England has a friendly against the Netherlands on Feb. 29.

"His first thought was managing his country without any conditions at all," FA chairman David Bernstein said.

The 49-year-old Pearce, a former Manchester City manager, runs the British Olympic and England under-21 teams.

"He has huge experience outside and inside the organization," Bernstein said. "He has been working with the under-21 team and has been working with Fabio for some time. I have got great confidence in Stuart, we will be in good hands. Our priority then will be to appoint a new England manager."

Capello quit Wednesday, angry that he had not been consulted by the FA over its decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy.

Capello thanked his former England players in a note and wished them the best for the future, but did not elaborate on his decision to quit as England coach.

In a note reported by Italian news agency ANSA, Capello says, "I want to thank the players, the staff and the Football Association for the professionalism they have showed me in my years as national coach."

Capello, who spent four years in charge of England, adds that he wants to say "a special goodbye to all the fans who always supported the team and my work. I wish they can all attain the highest sporting goals."

Capello flew back to Italy on Thursday.

Euro 2012 tops search for Capello successor

The head of the English Football Association says he will not rush to hire Fabio Capello's successor ahead of this year's European Championship.

FA chairman David Bernstein says, "We will put a shortlist together of key people."

Adrian Bevington, the managing director of the team, adds that "everyone's focus is on Euro 2012 and our objective is to recruit a manager and go to Poland and Ukraine, perform well and achieve success."

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is the favorite to replace Capello, who quit Wednesday after Bernstein stripped John Terry of the England captaincy despite his opposition.

Pearce is also among the candidates, along with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, Roy Hodgson, Guus Hiddink, Martin O'Neill and Arsene Wenger.

David Beckham, who recently signed a contract extension to play with the Los Angeles Galaxy, is a long shot but still among the names being thrown about.

— The Associated Press