FA technical director Howard Wilkinson, who has stepped into the England hot seat following Kevin Keegan's shock resignation, promised the same move 18 months ago, following Glenn Hoddle's exit.

Crozier was not in command at FA headquarters then and insists he means business this time.

"We need to develop some continuity, as what we can't have is everything changing every 18 months," Crozier said.

And although Glenn Hoddle brought through Peter Taylor as Under-21 coach, he was promptly sacked when FA technical director Wilkinson took charge of the side.

Crozier did not wish to be drawn upon that controversial decision, given that he was not in charge of the FA at the time.

However, he added: "I think it would be a very good thing that, just as the French have done, you start to have a system where the right people can learn the ropes."

With him on the selection panel are Arsenal's David Dein, Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale, FA international committee head Noel White, Premier League chief Dave Richards, Wilkinson and FA executive director David Davies.

They will meet regularly, with the first get-together taking place later this week to "look long and hard at what the options are", but it is Crozier who will make the final decision after consulting FA chairman Geoff Thompson.

And he was giving away few clues as to his thinking, although he did reveal "it would be helpful" for any candidate to be fluent in English, while insisting that the FA were not after a "PR appointment".

He added: "We are looking for someone with the right experience of international football in its widest context - proper European or worldwide experience - and someone that can communicate with the players.

"Someone that can work with us to take the England team on in the reasonable future.

"Maybe 10 years is asking too much but we're certainly looking to someone who can take us on over the next five years."

And while that may be an optimistic timeframe, at least a successor should be ready by then.