Sven Goran Eriksson has backed England U21 boss Stuart Pearce for the Three Lions job.

"Reaching the final in the European Under-21 competition is fantastic and I think they have the chance to win it as well," the former Manchester City manager told Five Live's Sportsweek.

"He (Pearce) has proven himself with the Under-21s. Why shouldn't he be able to do it with the senior team as well? I think he is capable.

"Of course it is a big step - it is another kind of player in the senior team - but I think he can do it in the future."

Eriksson believes Pearce's current role could put him in pole position to succeed Fabio Capello.

"Why not?" he said. "But let's hope for England that Capello will stay for a long time, because that would mean he is successful at the next World Cup."