The former England manager also believes Fabio Capello - who was appointed in December - is hampered by his lack of English and feels Giovanni Trapattoni could have been a better choice before he became Republic of Ireland manager.

In his column in the Mail on Sunday, Robson said: "We've got talent in our own league, why look abroad?

"I would have preferred an English or British manager.

"Mark Hughes or Martin O'Neill were as good as anyone around.

"Harry Redknapp would not have been a bad choice at all.

"But the FA expanded the search and talked to Capello - big track record, big player, Real Madrid, Roma, Juventus - he's been successful there, so they've gone for him.

"But wait and see, I'm not so sure."

Trapattoni succeeded Steve Staunton as Republic boss in February and Robson believes he could have been a better choice than his fellow Italian.

"He is very experienced, good track record, good CV, been at big clubs and speaks decent English, better than Capello.

"Well, Capello can't speak the language can he?

"At half-time, how can you communicate tactics to a player if you can't talk to him."

Robson has backed Boro boss Southgate as a future England boss, saying: "Gareth Southgate will turn out to be a very fine England manager.

"He speaks well, he played for England, he is an educated boy.

"I think he'll learn the trade at Middlesbrough, he'll be very loyal to them but at some stage I think he could move on to the top job."