Brooking will bring in English coach to learn under Capello

An English coach will be asked to join Fabio Capello's backroom staff in order to gain valuable experience under a new initiative from the Football Association.

The coach will be chosen by the FA's director of development, Sir Trevor Brooking, and is part of a strategy to develop the skills of leading English coaches.

The coach will work alongside Capello's No 2 Stuart Pearce and provide support for the Italian while Pearce is on duty with the under-21 side. The plan is seen as a chance to groom an English coach as a possible successor to Capello. None of Capello's Italian assistants will leave but Pearce's commitments with the under-21s have given the FA an opportunity to provide a learning platform for another England coach.

The decision comes after the FA announced its intention to appoint an independent chairman following the resignation of Lord Triesman in May. Such an appointment was among the key recommendations of the Burns Report, which looked at how to reform English football.

Brooking is taking on a pivotal role in the England set-up following the disastrous World Cup campaign in South Africa. He is also charged with the task, along with Capello, of improving the skills and development of English coaches.

Brooking will provide recommendations in relation to international player development and coach education set-up.

Capello is now expected to focus on youth in his team selections – especially for the friendly against Hungary on 11 August. The Italian is almost certain to remove some of the old guard and replace them with under-21s or even some players from the under-19 squad whose European Championship campaign kicks off in France tomorrow.