Adrian Bevington: Stuart Pearce is his own man

Pearce was confirmed as interim England boss yesterday, meaning he will be in charge for the February 29 friendly with Holland at Wembley.

However, as the situation has only arisen due to the row that erupted following John Terry being stripped of the captain's armband until he clears his name of racism allegations, the fact Pearce's brother Dennis stood as a candidate for the right-wing British National Party in the 2009 European elections might be a matter for discomfort.

However, Bevington insisted that family tie had not been an issue in discussions over who should step in for the Holland encounter.

"There have been a few occasions where Stuart has been asked this specific question and, as an individual, he has made it clear that he is not involved in his brother's political beliefs, in the same way as I'm sure that everybody who has siblings does not always share their political stance," said Bevington.

"It is a matter for Stuart Pearce's brother rather than Stuart, we would suggest.

"I don't think we can get into the realms of being judgmental on someone because of what their brother or any sibling's views may be."

However, there is also another difficulty involving Pearce.

The former England star was accused of making a racist remark about Paul Ince in 1994, which PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor subsequently claimed Pearce regretted.

That matter was put to FA chairman David Bernstein at Wembley yesterday, only for it to be made clear it was not up for debate.

"We're not going to go back over extensive grounds today in that respect," said Bernstein.

"I certainly can't talk about that comment."

Pearce will now have full control over his squad for the Holland game, including who will be his skipper now Terry has been demoted.

"That will be Stuart Pearce's decision," said Bernstein. "There will be no input from the FA. It is the same as it would have been with Fabio."