The FA can confirm that Stuart Pearce will work alongside Fabio Capello with the England senior team, starting with next Wednesday's friendly against Switzerland.

Pearce will continue as England Under-21 Coach and will join up with the senior set-up immediately after the Under-21s' match against Ireland on Tuesday. He will then be involved with the senior team for the duration of the two planned end of season friendlies when the Under-21s do not play.

England Manager Fabio Capello explained: "From the start I made it clear to everyone that I wanted an English Coach as part of my coaching team. I have spoken with Trevor Brooking and Stuart Pearce about this at length and I'm very happy that Stuart is working with me.

"This is very important as Stuart has a lot of experience and understanding of English football. He understands what I am looking to achieve and how I want to work.

"I believe it is crucial that both of us have a close working partnership to get the best for both the England team and Under-21s.

"As well as being involved in all of the planning ahead of games, he will sit next to me on the bench during the matches and have a key position around the team.

"There will also be opportunities at the end of the season when the Under-21s and seniors are not playing at the same time when Stuart can be with us at all times. This is very good because I want to him to play an important role in the coaching sessions with Italo Galbiati and myself."

Stuart Pearce said: "It will be a fantastic opportunity and a great education for me to work with Fabio Capello and the England senior team.

"My main focus will still be on the Under-21s. We have an important qualifier on Tuesday and I will continue to be with that squad as we work towards reaching the Under-21 European Championship in summer 2009.

"Once Under-21 games have been played I'm looking forward to being involved with the senior team as much as possible and the friendlies at the end of the season will give me a great opportunity to work with Fabio and his coaching team."

FA Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking added: "Fabio Capello has always been keen to have an Englishman involved in his coaching staff. Stuart's experience of international football as a player and his success with the Under-21s makes him ideal for the role and will give him some useful exposure to the coaching set-up of the senior team."

Stuart Pearce will announce his Under-21s squad in a media conference at 3pm on Thursday at Southampton's St. Mary's Stadium, where England face Ireland in their Euro qualifier next Tuesday.