Pearce had been steeling himself for the awkward possibility of doing both jobs but has now been freed up to whittle his Olympic shortlist of 80 down to a final squad of 18, a decision likely to be made before the end of May.

Pearce, who is also in charge of the England under-21 side, was part of Fabio Capello's backroom staff but has yet to learn whether he will occupy the same role under Hodgson.

It is likely at least one assistant will be brought in, though Hodgson has yet to talk to Pearce about his involvement in the 2012 European Championships.

Even if he goes, Pearce will no longer have the burden of picking the England side for Poland and Ukraine, instead sitting on the fringes while Hodgson takes the key decisions.


One problem facing Pearce, however, is timing.

He has made it clear no players will be asked to double up at both Euro 2012 and the Olympics but cannot make any firm selection decisions until Hodgson chooses his 23-man squad at the end of the Premier League season.

Pearce will be keen, especially when it comes to the three overage players, to have some idea of Hodgson's thinking sooner rather than later in order to finalise the England players he wants for the Olympics before they make plans for the summer.

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