Tony Adams has called on the FA to let former England managers choose Steve McClaren's replacement.

Adams wants the decision taken out of the hands of chief executive Brian Barwick and given to the likes of Sir Bobby Robson and Terry Venables.

Former England captain Adams also believes current skipper John Terry should have a say on the man to lead England's 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Adams said: "What Sir Trevor Brooking - and I have every faith in him because he is a good man - should be doing is speaking to people who have been there and canvassing their opinion, men like Bobby Robson, Glenn Hoddle, Graham Taylor and Terry Venables.

"I remember when I was England captain David Dein came to me before Kevin Keegan was appointed and I said the best man for the job was Venables.

"I said the same when he approached me about Sven-Goran Eriksson but the point is they asked me.

"They should be doing the same with John Terry, who has a fair bit of experience now.

"If they want Jose Mourinho, then ask the people who know him the best, the people on the ground. The one advantage they have is they have plenty of time.

"We need someone who can handle the pressure and be the best coach and man manager.

"I would love it to be an Englishman because I am a proud Englishman and this is a great country."

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is among the candidates to take McClaren's place but Adams, number two at Fratton Park, refused to be drawn on Redknapp's credentials for the job.

"I do not think it would be fair on the Portsmouth fans and chairman to comment on Harry's situation but this job should be the pinnacle of any manager," he said.

"I want it but not right now and I am sure Harry does too but I have not spoken to him about it. I think people are scared of saying they want the job because it is so prestigious."

Adams blasted the England players for losing their nerve in last week's 3-2 defeat at home to Croatia which ended their Euro 2008 qualifying hopes.

Adams, who won 66 caps for his country, said: "There was so much fear and good players were playing within themselves and playing poorly.

"As an Englishman it was not nice to see. They look like they needed shaking up and did a bit when David Beckham came on.

"They were taken by the technical skill of the Croatia side.

"I work with Niko Kranjcar every day of the week and he is probably the most gifted player at the club.

"That said, England have got Joe Cole who would always get in my team."

More news from SportingLife.com