Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has confirmed he has accepted the job of succeeding Peter Taylor as England Under-21 coach.
Pearce had been identified by the Football Association as first choice for the job but encountered resistance from City over the amount of time their manager would be required to spend away from the Eastlands outfit.
Those fears have not yet completely been allayed but Pearce has stated he has accepted the job, subject to a final agreement being reached between City and the FA, and expects to be in position for England's clash with Spain at Pride Park on 6 February, as well as this summer's European Under-21 Championships.
Pearce said: 'I have been offered the job and I have accepted it. Now, it is down to the club and the FA to both be comfortable with the situation.
'Hopefully they can finalise one or two things but I don't see any reason why that should not be the case.'
