Terry Venables would have appointed an Englishman to the role of England manager, rather than Fabio Capello.

The Italian signed a four-and-half-year contract nine days ago, and appointment which attracted praise and criticism in relatively equal measure.

While Capello's success at club level with AC Milan, Real Madrid and Roma cannot be questioned, the fact the Football Association have appointed another foreign coach has raised eyebrows.

They include those of former England manager Venables, who found himself ousted just four weeks ago as Steve McClaren's number two in the wake of the national team's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

"I think it should have been an English coach," remarked Venables on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

"The Dutch, French, Germans and Italians would not have done it because from their point of view it would be an indictment on them and their own coaching courses.

"If we're not good enough, then that's fine, but they would prefer to have someone who is going to have a simple plan and get the good players going.

"They would rather not win, than do that (appoint a foreigner).

"I'm not saying what's right or wrong. It's within the rules, so why not, and that's the way it is.

"From a professional point of view, and when you talk about the Premier League, it's a world game.

"There is a slightly different attitude, which has changed going back to my father and grandparents' time because then it would be unheard of, unpalatable.

"That is the era you live in. Now it is different and people don't mind what happens as long as we win, so who is to say it is wrong.

"As for me, I would have appointed an Englishman.

"Now the guy is a very good coach, a very good name and he has had successes. As they say, the CV is great.

"It's up to him now to get on, and we will see how he does as to whether it is right or wrong. There's no point guessing. Let the show go on."

Venables, though, believes it is now incumbent on the FA to act for the good of the game in the future.

"All parts, from the Football Association to those involved in the football itself, have to look at themselves, strip it down and see where the problems are," insisted Venables.

"But then it has to be backed. It's no good leaving players to their own devices to get results and say, 'it's nothing to do with me'.

"It's about saying, 'have we all done enough?' because we are all are in it, and some of the answers are not particularly good, so we have to look at it.

"If you want success it has to happen. The FA has a big job on, and they have to get down to the problems because with any business, it starts with the people at the top.

"You need big men to stand up and say 'this is not right,' and 'why isn't it right?', and to get people who are prepared to say what they think without others getting upset by that."

While disagreeing with the criticism the players do not care when they play for England, Venables feels they need to prove they are more than capable of playing at the highest level.

"I do think they care, but there are pressures such as those from the press and everyone," added Venables.

"They do get higher, but if you are going to do it at the top level then you are there to be shot at.

"People ask why they can't do it, but they have shown they can do it. They just have to show it even more."

As for Venables' own future, while he concedes he has no regrets about being a number two, it is not a role he wants to pursue again.

It is more than likely he will end up as a manager in his own right again soon, with the Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria amongst those interested in his services.

Venables, though, is biding his time as he said: "I'm not planning anything.

"I've had quite a lot of interest, which is great, but I'm not in a rush, so I'm just going to wait and see.

"If something comes along, fine. If it doesn't, fine."

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