Thursday 27 October 2016 13:22, UK
Gareth Southgate has "no chance" of getting the England job on a permanent basis if he loses his next two games, according to Stuart Pearce.
Southgate was placed in caretaker charge for four games, following the departure of Sam Allardyce last month, and has overseen a win over Malta and draw with Slovenia.
Next up for England and Southgate is a World Cup Qualifier with Scotland on November 11 followed by a friendly against Spain four days later before the FA have 'time to think' about their next move.
FA chief executive Martin Glenn has said that Southgate will not be judged solely on the next two games but former England U21 manager Pearce does not thinks he will not be in the running if the results against Spain and Scotland are not positive.
"If he loses the next two games the press will be up in arms and Gareth has no chance of getting the job, I guarantee that now," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "As an Englishman I hope he wins the next two games and they decide to give him the opportunity."
Sky sources understand Southgate remains favourite for the job, but there are plans to interview a number of potential candidates following the match against Scotland at Wembley.
One of the names who has been linked with the role is Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, whose current deal at the Emirates Stadium expires at the end of the season.
And Pearce added: "I am wondering whether they have their eye on Arsene Wenger.
"Greg Dyke [former FA chairman] mentioned if Gareth's stay could be extended until next summer as an interim scenario, and that might free up Arsene Wenger. The FA might have their eye on him as a safe pair of hands to take over next summer."
