Premier League chairman Dave Richards insisted that the man who will replace England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson should be British.

"It's time for a British boss, somebody who understands our passion, belief and commitment. There's no distinction between English and British," Richards told BBC Sport on Friday.

"We are the biggest nation in the world that plays this game and we want someone who can really move us on," he added.

Richards, who is a member of the three-man panel appointed to find Eriksson's successor along with Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick and international committee chairman Noel White, will present a list of candidates to the English FA on February 27th.

"I don't know yet who it will be. But everyone keeps telling me there are all these coaches available. Well, now we will sit down and find out just who is up for the job.

"We have still got a bit of time. We are going to go and win the World Cup first," Richards said.

Former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill and Man City head coach Stuart Pearce are reportedly on the candidates’ list, alongside Charlton's Alan Curbishley and Bolton boss Sam Allardyce.

"Of course we would like the best candidate to be from our shores, that would be perfect, and Brian Barwick has already made that clear. However, we must remain open-minded. What we want is the best manager, " an FA senior figure was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"But whoever it is, we must ensure that they realise the situation in this country in that we have an intrusive media - it's the territory that goes with the job."

Swedish boss, Eriksson, is expected to quit his post as England manager after their World Cup campaign in Germany.

Dutchman Guus Hiddink and Brazilian coach Luis Felipe Scolari have also been mentioned as likely successors.