Pearce is one of four Englishmen linked with the post

"I don't think when the job is being given out I will be in the hot seat, that's for sure," said the 43-year-old.

He initially said it was "embarrassing" to have his name put forward once it had been announced that Sven-Goran Eriksson would step down from the post.

Pearce then made a U-turn saying he would be willing to talk to the Football Association about the vacancy.

Pearce is one of four English managers to have been linked with the coveted position.

Bolton's Sam Allardyce, Charlton's Alan Curbishley and Middlesbrough's Steve McClaren have also been tipped for the post.

Allardyce has already put his hat in the ring.

"If the FA are talking about the next England manager being British it is good news for everyone in this country," he said.

"The public seem to want that, so obviously I would want to go that way - not just from the point of being in contention but because I am English.

All we are getting at the moment is 'Curb Watch', 'Pearce Watch' and 'Sam Watch' Charlton boss Alan Curbishley

"It is very important for this country - and for the FA - to go down that route because we are all taught through their system and we are all going through the curriculum for the badges and qualifications."

Meanwhile, Charlton's Curbishley, who has been backed by Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, has asked the FA to make their decision following the conclusion of the Premiership campaign.

"The situation should be clarified," said Curbishley.

"In my opinion, the FA should turn round and say they will not make an announcement until after the final Premiership game on 7 May, which will just allow everyone to get on with what they have to do.

"All we are getting at the moment is 'Curb Watch', 'Pearce Watch' and 'Sam Watch', plus a fictional horse race with our heads on little horses seeing who is in front.

"It is not distracting but all three of us have important jobs to do. There is still three months of the season left and every day someone is saying something else.

"Who knows what people are thinking. I just think we should all be given a chance and the FA say they are not going to talk about it until after the season is over."

It's a high-profile job, it would certainly appeal to Martin O'Neill BBC Radio Five Live football correspondent Jonathan Legard

However, the FA may overlook all three and opt for former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill, who is the bookmakers' favourite.

The 53-year-old Northern Irishman, who has also been strongly linked with Newcastle manager's job, has yet to make any comment on the speculation.