Roy Hodgson to coach England seniors and Under-21s against Scotland

England manger Roy Hodgson has temporarily solved Football Association’s headache by agreeing to take charge of England’s Under 21 side for the friendly against Scotland.

Hodgson and his assistant Ray Lewington will select the squad and pick the team in Sheffield, as they will do the same for the seniors at Wembley against Scotland the following evening.

While it may sound unusual but it is not unique. Stuart Pearce made history in February 2012 when he selected two England teams on the same night. He first named the Under 21 side in Middlesbrough and then, 90 minutes later, managed the senior team against Holland at Wembley.

Hodgson speaking to reporters, said: “There is an opportunity, while the recruitment process goes on, to work with this squad. It is something I very much wanted to do. I watch the Under 21 fixtures and I was in Israel for the European Championship. But, as a coach, nothing can beat the training field and the team hotel for getting to know players properly. In a World Cup year it makes absolute sense while there is the chance to do it.”

Hodgson, though, will not have any say over who replaces Pearce, who was removed from the post after England’s miserable performance in Israel earlier this year. The appointment will be made by a committee consisting of the chairman Greg Dyke, Adrian Bevington, Alex Horne and Sir Trevor Brooking.